Esker Hills
Esker Hills
If golf courses were rollercoasters then Esker Hills would be the
biggest ride of all. The eskers make this course almost hypnotic with
their heaving rhythm through the lilting Co. Offaly countryside.
The design was by Christy O’Connor Jr (1997), who must have been
in his element shaping holes between all the twists and turns
that this landscape has created. Shane Lowry’s name will forever
be associated with Esker Hills, but this is a course bristling with
adventure: right from the off you are thrown into the mounds,
doglegging through the valleys, and up and over those swinging
elevation changes. Trees constantly guide the way around a
wonderfully routed course. Such a rolling terrain might suggest a
buggy is necessary – many golfers will tell you as much – but hit
the ball straight and Esker Hills is much more enjoyable on foot. The
course throws in four lakes to add some extra drama.
Birr
Another Leinster gem, Birr uses the heaving and natural Co. Offaly
eskers to magnificent effect and has been doing so since 1893. The
course also promises plenty of woods and tree-lined corridors,
which make Birr an exceptionally colourful round of golf. The
stunning par threes are a case in point but there are so many good
holes here (the run from the 10th to the 15th is outstanding) that
singling out a few is almost unfair. What is particularly memorable
is the visual appeal that greets you on every tee. The shapes and
movement of holes make them fun to play – even when shots are blind
– and while it may only be a par 70, it doesn’t lack in length, with par
fours measuring from 294 metres (middle white tees) to 407 metres.
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New Forest
One of Ireland’s impressive new parklands (2006), New Forest has
lots of space around its equally impressive clubhouse… a restored
18th century manor house. The drive up to it sets the tone as you
see the ease with which the course flows over the parkland estate.
One of New Forest’s great advantages is that it is both formidable
and fun to play. You’ll certainly need your driver as fairways coast
along the heavily wooded perimeter, around ponds and marshes,
and over streams and bridges. The biggest challenge, however,
comes on the approach as green complexes are creatively shaped
and heavily bunkered. Many holes are noteworthy and the stretch
from the 2nd to the 6th is an appetising start. The shot of the day
goes to the approach on the par four 13th, with the green sitting by
a pond and embraced by towering trees. But it is all good here and
New Forest delivers an easy and flowing rhythm.
Mullingar
Mullingar is a revered parkland, renowned for its annual Scratch Cup
(won by many Irish greats) and its par three 2nd. This is old school
charm. In 1937, the legendary James Braid created the simplest of
designs by planting tees to indicate tee box and green positions. Or
so the story goes. Braid wanted the current 10th to be the 1st, but
it was agreed that it was too tough a start. As a 458 yard par four
dogleg you’ll understand why. The course was upgraded between
2003 and 2005, which saw some new greens and bunkering, and a
reorientation of three holes. The par 72 remains but Mullingar now
plays two to three shots harder than before. Importantly, its Braid
character remains. Heavy trees pour over bumpy terrain giving that
all-embracing, mature setting and, while not a long course (6,412
yards), the trees will wreak havoc on an errant driver.