DESTINATION GOLF 2022
Co . Louth
Co . Louth ( Baltray )
Co . Louth ( aka Baltray ) is one of Ireland ’ s great links , 45 minutes north of Dublin . It has graced this coastline since 1892 , but it is also known for more recent events : Shane Lowry winning the Irish Open in 2009 . It does , however , have a long and distinguished history , with its impeccable design embracing old school strategy and finesse . This is especially true with the slopes around the greens , and on the four excellent par threes . The putting surfaces are sublime and are forever mentioned when Co . Louth is appraised . Today , raised tee boxes help to show off the beauty of the course ’ s holes which typically fall into two types : the subtle and the shapely . The biggest dunes are pressed up against the sea and this is where the most dramatic holes exist , with the renowned run from the 12th to the 16th promising some outstanding thrills .
“ The putting surfaces are sublime and are forever mentioned when Co . Louth is appraised .”
European Club
The European comes with all sorts of accolades – the best modern links course in the world chief among them – and a rich history that whirls around the legend who is Pat Ruddy . The European Club , put simply , is the course that Pat built . Set on the Co . Wicklow coastline , next to Brittas Bay , this is a big , lilting and muscular test of golf . Pat does not design ‘ easy ’ courses ; he makes you work for your par and The European is especially challenging off the tee . Several of the green sites are more forgiving , but only from the fairway … hit offline and the renowned railway-sleepered bunkers will cause you endless headaches .
Headfort ( New )
Headfort has two very different but excellent parkland courses . The New opened in 2001 , spread across a swathe of the old Headfort Estate . It is home to majestic trees , bountiful water features and two islands which are at the heart of the course . Holes fit elegantly into the undulating landscape and , despite its length ( 6,164m middle tees ), every shot is enjoyable . Big ( and straight ) hitters will love it . The par threes are exceptional . The natural water features are , not surprisingly , a constant highlight , appearing in one shape or another on the opening 10 holes , as well as three more . Holes 9 and 10 demand big drives over a lake , so finding land is a victory . Home to the EuroPro in 2019 .
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