Powerscourt (West)
Of the two courses at Powerscourt, the West uses the biggest
elevation changes and some of the shapeliest terrain. It is also
the newer of the two, designed by David McLay Kidd and opened
in 2003. The West is exuberant and adventurous, thanks to the
elevation, ponds and streams, and the ever-present trees. Look at
the considerable drop on the par three 17th as you approach the 1st
green and know that the course climbs considerably higher. It means
constant views, intrigue off the tee and some lovely backdrops,
including the Wicklow hills, the Great Sugar Loaf and, of course, the
magnificent Powerscourt House. Approaches to big and extensively
bunkered greens will prove just as dramatic. This is a course you will
want to drive well on and where you might use your putter a bit
more often than you’d like.
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