DESTINATIONGOLF . TRAVEL
LEINSTER
K-Club ( Palmer South )
Headfort ( Old )
Headfort ’ s Old course opened in 1928 , stretching elegantly across the bucolic Headfort Estate . When the exceptional New course arrived in 2000 , the shorter Old took a back seat … yet this is pure parkland golf with swathes of mature trees providing tremendous character to holes . Many tower over tee boxes and form intimidating backdrops . It is a charming par 72 , with the gentle undulations promising nice views of the hole and tempting targets off the tee . There are no climbs and , combined with the rhythm of the trees , golf here is peaceful and easy . That ’ s not to say the course itself is easy . Even though there is no water there are subtle doglegs everywhere and that means trees will prove a nightmare if you stray offline . Then there are the small greens which can only be attacked if you are on the fairways .
Greenore
Greenore sits on the Cooley Peninsula , curving around Carlingford Lough , where an old train line mirrors the shape of the beach below . Several front nine tee boxes sit up here , promising tempting shots to the fairways and greens below . This is mostly a flat , open course with some links-like undulations close to the sea and matchstick-like pines soaring above holes closer to the clubhouse . It is a fun mix in an attractive setting where water features threaten often . So , too , does the wind . Expect a big day with the driver and with so much space you ’ ll want to open your shoulders .
K-Club ( Palmer South )
The K Club Palmer South course opened in 2003 . Like its sibling , it was designed by Arnold Palmer , with the aim of offering a very different experience to the Ryder Cup course . This is a shapely beast with huge shoulders of earth creating channels to play through . And water is a frequent visitor especially on the strong back nine . The cliff and lake that dominate the 7th hole are an intriguing ( man-made ) feature … but it is the final six holes that will tempt you and test you most . The par five 18th requires at least two excellent shots over water . The course has its own entrance and impressive clubhouse , and considerable recent investment has enhanced playing conditions .
Portarlington
As gentle and peaceful a parkland as you could hope to find , Portarlington sits a couple of miles outside town alongside the River Barrow . The course weaves through mature trees and demands strong driving and an impressive ability to draw or fade the ball on six holes . It tests you plenty without ever losing the joy of playing here . Index 1 is a prime example : it is a par four of over 400 metres , sliding through a tight corridor of Beech and Oak , but two more wonderful shots you will not hit … and you might well encounter red squirrels en route to the hole . Behind the green lies the river which makes a dramatic appearance late in the round . This is a well maintained , lovely country course , which punches way above its weight . In holes 7 , 8 , 14 and 15 , Portarlington has some of the best holes you ’ ll play .
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