DESTINATION GOLF 2022
St Margaret ’ s
Castleknock
Opened in 2006 , Castleknock wraps around a stylish clubhouse . The drive in shows off a hotel and several holes . It is a tasty introduction to this new suburban course where holes move over a shapely terrain . As a young course it feels quite open so it is left to the well-placed , attractive bunkers and water features to threaten tee shots and approaches . Greens are often hidden by the swells of the fairway . There are five par fives and five par threes , which keep things interesting , and this is most noticeable on the impressive side-by-side par threes – the 9th and 18th – which hit over a lake to a double green beneath the clubhouse .
St Margaret ’ s
It has been a fantastic return to form for one of Dublin ’ s most enjoyable parklands . St Margaret ’ s plays over mostly gentle terrain , with mature trees and lakes adding colour and challenges . Where there are changes in elevation they are used to dramatic effect – on the par three 5th particularly – but this is about the easy rhythm and holes curving gently between the ever-present trees to sweet greens . The lakes add tremendously to the heart of the course ( holes 7 , 8 , 12 and 13 ) and especially on the long Index 2 18th . The par threes are all strong and the facilities are excellent .
Corballis
Corballis has the honour of being the only public links in Ireland . It lies next door to the mighty Island Golf Club , even sharing some of the same dunes . A par of just 66 ( seven par threes and only one par five ), this is tremendous fun and great value . It is also an ideal introduction to links golf with all the trials and tribulations that links golf can bring . Stretched along the coastline near Donabate , with views to Howth and Ireland ’ s Eye , there are several excellent holes here . The new holes ( 4 to 7 ), designed by Ron Kirby in 2009 , are the most thrilling : two cracking par threes and two short , testing par fours .
Balbriggan
Balbriggan Golf Club is a rhythmic flowing parkland to the north of Co . Dublin . The course was redeveloped in 2009 , by Eddie Connaughton , and the club has benefitted as a result . The water features which come in to play on seven holes have added to the character , but the course has and will always be defined by the strong movements to the land and the dense evergreen corridors , through which the holes sweep . It promises many thrilling shots . The new greens always make attractive targets , especially where the water comes in to play . Enjoy the 1st hole – it is a perfect appetiser for what is to come .
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