Destination Golf Global (Winter 2019) * | Page 34

Group selfie at Annesley Links Annesley Links £1.2m renovation programme, offers spectacular and unrivalled views of the Mourne Mountains and the Co Down coastline – opening your curtains in the morning has never felt so good! The iconic red-brick building features strongly in most tourist promos, and you feel a certain sense of grandeur – minus any of the pomposity often associated with it – when staying here. It’s perfect. I’ve already mentioned RCD’s Championship links – and possibly no introduction was needed. But there’s another option here that is not as widely known – the shorter, par-66 Annesley Links that sits alongside it. Having played the ‘main course’ previously, we thought we’d investigate what the little brother had to offer. Put simply, it’s magnificent. Yes, the holes are shorter. Yes, there are more par-3 holes on it. But it is the exact same terrain – with all of its fearsome run-offs and dense, gnarly gorse – as its more famous neighbour. It also shares the same magnificent views of 34 Destination Golf .TRAVEL the sea and duneland – and, of course, those imposing Mourne Mountains. I have played no other course – anywhere – that will test your short game as thoroughly as the Annesley Links will. If your putter is cold, you are in for a long afternoon on a short layout. It was one of those unexpected treats that will leave memories forever. And that’s what golf trips are about. MORE INFORMATION: For further information on Northern Ireland’s golf courses and other things to see and do in Northern Ireland go to www. discovernorthernireland.com/golf For more information on the Hastings Hotels Group, go to: https://www.hastingshotels.com/