Castlebar
Castlebar
If you like to think your way around a golf course, then Castlebar
is just the ticket. With a par of 71 and a length of 5,555 metres
(middle tees), this is a course big hitters may feel they can take
apart. That won’t happen. This is a tidy, often tight, undulating,
tree-lined parkland just outside Castlebar town. Water
features prominently, too, so tackling the greens requires smart
positioning off the tee. Eighteen new greens were added in 2001,
taking Castlebar to a whole new level, with putting surfaces and
shapes described in glowing terms by all who have experienced
them.
Loughrea
Loughrea was extended by close to 1,000 yards when the club
acquired additional land in 2002. It allowed this quiet country
course to build four new holes and extend its par to 71. Today, it
measures 5,825 metres from the back tees. It is the natural feel of
Loughrea’s terrain that makes golf here such a pleasure. There is
no need for glamorous touches on a course where the landscape
does all of the work and trees frame holes on the opening nine
especially. The back nine elevates proceedings with some tricky
water features and open, tossing countryside. Smallish greens run
fast and true.
Gort
Gort embraces 160 acres of bumpy, tossing, Co. Clare
countryside. Some holes have big changes in elevation while
others are far more gentle but the course can change its shape
within a few yards. It keeps you on your toes as these holes
combine some tricky doglegs, blind drives, ponds and four very
good par threes. The course opened in 1996 and was designed
by Christy O’Connor Jr. The shapeliness of the landscape was
ideal for him a nd he has created a course that will entertain all
levels of golfers. The views stretch in all directions, including to
the Slieve Aughty mountains and hills of Clare.
Athenry
A strong country parkland moving easily between the trees and
into a woodland setting for several holes. This is country golf at
its finest, with good maintenance, nice flourishes and one good
hole after another. The 1st hole skirts a fairy ring while the par
three 12th hits alongside a desolate, broken wood. There are
no elevation changes so it is left to the trees and gently curling
fairways to challenge you.The course can play short so be sure to
play it from the back tees for the full experience – 5,859 metres,
par 70. A comfortable clubhouse awaits your return.
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