DESTINATION GOLF 2022
The Montgomerie
Birr
Another Leinster gem , Birr uses the tumbling and natural Co . Offaly eskers to magnificent effect and has been doing so since 1893 . The course also promises plenty of woods and treelined corridors , which make Birr an exceptionally colourful round of golf . The stunning par threes are a case in point but there are so many good holes here ( the run from the 10th to the 15th is outstanding ) that singling out a few is almost unfair . What is particularly memorable is the visual appeal that greets you on every tee . The shapes and movement of holes make them fun to play – even when shots are blind – and while it may only be a par 70 , it doesn ’ t lack in length , with par fours measuring from 294 metres ( middle white tees ) to 407 metres .
Carton House ( Montgomerie )
The two courses at Carton House are in sharp contrast to each other . It adds considerably to the experience of playing here ( and staying here ). The Montgomerie , opened in 2002 , was designed as an inland links and it certainly boasts tumbling and deceptive fairways , deep bunkers and glorious greens . There are few trees and when the rough is up , the course glows many shades of gold . This is one of Ireland ’ s toughest courses , so choosing the right tee and not trying to be heroic is the best place to start . Gentle doglegs abound and with that dramatic bunkering you need to stay above ground to score well . Host to three Irish Opens , and with the new Fairmont branding , you know it oozes quality .
Mullingar
Mullingar is a revered parkland , renowned for its annual Scratch Cup ( won by many Irish greats ) and its par three 2nd . This is old school charm . In 1937 , the legendary James Braid created the simplest of designs by planting tees to indicate tee box and green positions . Or so the story goes . Braid wanted the current 10th to be the 1st , but it was agreed that it was too tough a start . As a 458 yard par four dogleg you ’ ll understand why . The course was upgraded between 2003 and 2005 , which saw some new greens and bunkering , and a reorientation of three holes . The par 72 remains but Mullingar now plays two to three shots harder than before . Importantly , its Braid character remains . A new short game area was added in 2018 .
Carton House ( O ’ Meara )
The O ’ Meara course has those perfect parkland assets familiar to everyone as it rolls through mature woodland . And yet the trees stay well back to give the course an unexpected spaciousness . Off the tee the big manicured fairways are hugely inviting targets , making this long course a driver ’ s delight . There are five par fives , too . The O ’ Meara is often lauded for its superb stretch of three holes down by the River Rye . The two par threes and the par five 15th squeezed in between are exceptional holes , lost amongst the trees . It is known as Amen Corner . Water is ever-present so it is little wonder they are so memorable . The newly annointed five star resort now carries the Fairmont branding .
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