Strandhill
Oughterard
Oughterard has two things that make it stand out: the greens are
large and beautifully shaped (thanks to new ones being built at the
end of the 1990s); and eight par fours fall between 370 and 400
metres, from the middle white tees… making Oughterard quite the
test. The par of 70 stretches to 5,876 metres. The real fun comes on
the approach shots through avenues of trees to raised and inviting
greens. They promise deliciously tempting shots. There is only one
significant dogleg and it’s the double dogleg par five 8th… which also
happens to be the best hole on the course.
Galway
Located in Salthill and rising up from the waters of Galway Bay,
this is a golf club of rich history and tradition. Established in 1895,
the course is drenched in bright gorse and dark pines with quality
touches everywhere – not to mention the plush, turret-style
clubhouse. Holes start by the sea, with several water features, before
you cross under the road and start to play the 14 holes rising and
falling across the hillside. The space has been used to full effect, no
doubt thanks to its original designer, the great Alister MacKenzie
(1926), who routed the course into two loops. It is a par 70 course
measuring 6,000 metres from the championship tees. There are
several tight challenges and tough doglegs, and weaving your way
through and around the trees will test you constantly. But you’ll
also need to avoid the strong bunkering which is ever-present. The
greens, too, demand your full attention. They are slick and fast and
will test the best.
120
Strandhill
The sea squeezes this stunning links on two sides. Surfers ride the
waves to the west, while horseback riders favour the south. You’ll
see them from a course that hugs the water but also rises up in the
centre, sending holes scattering down the bumpy slopes to some
severely undulating, natural greens. There’s no magic design formula
(the members did most of it), which works in Strandhill’s favour
because holes like the 5th, 13th and 15th are off the charts. The smart
clubhouse sits at the top, too, showing off much of the course.
Appreciate it for what it is… an absolute gem.
Portumna
The ancient forest which surrounds Portumna contrasts against
the glorious estate of undulating terrain that flows within. This is
parkland in every sense of the word, where mature oak, ash and
beech trees wander across the landscape as casually as the deer that
frequently appear from the forest. The course expanded to 18 holes
in the early 1990s but you’d