DESTINATIONGOLF . TRAVEL LEINSTER
Killeen Castle
No other course can boast such a glorious landscape as Killeen Castle . Six hundred lazy acres drenched in trees , wrapped around a 12th century castle … how could it not be the idyllic setting for a Jack Nicklaus ‘ Signature ’ course . This is the longest course in Ireland ( 7,677 yards ), and home to the Solheim Cup in 2011 , but golfers of all abilities will enjoy this expansive course .
There are five tees ( choose wisely ) and fairways always appear wide and inviting , which makes this a delicious driving course . The bigger challenges come around elaborately shaped and bunkered greens – very much another of Jack ’ s signatures . Every hole is strong , but the par five 12th , with its stream cascading across the front of the green , may be Killeen Castle ’ s signature hole .
The lake squeezed between the 2nd and 17th , however , presents the biggest danger , while not one of the par threes can be described as easy . For many golfers , it is the rise to the 18th green , at the foot of the castle , which will be remembered most . The busy Dave Pelz Golf School is part of the complex .
WWW . KILLEENCASTLE . COM
Favourite Hole
The par five 7th doglegs sharply around a wood . Big hitters can go over the trees and then hope to reach in two , but the lake running all the way to the green makes this a three-shotter for mortals .
Editor ’ s Tip
A big day with the driver and very good bunker play .
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