Farnham Estate
Rosapenna (Old Tom Morris)
When you adorn a course with the name of one of the game’s
most legendary figures it will bristle with a certain ageless aura.
Today’s course combines Old Tom Morris with new Pat… a new
nine holes designed by Pat Ruddy were opened in 2009, and form
the front nine, away from the sea. The dunes are bumpy and low
allowing Ruddy to create plenty of deception, especially on green
approaches. Old Tom’s classic holes (with a sprinkling of Braid and
Vardon) snuggle up to Sheep Haven Bay, behind the resort’s hotel.
They are so natural and they use the landscape to perfection… it
promises a quirk or two.
Farnham Estate
A parkland of sweeping variety and landscapes, which drifts lazily
around the impressive Radisson hotel at the heart of this plush
resort. Farnham was designed by Jeff Howes and opened in 2009.
The opening nine holes stretch over a hillside and then around it,
enjoying acres of space. There are several water features (the 2nd
and 4th are beauties) and deep swathes of rough are to be avoided.
The back nine take you up into the forest where the tree corridors
present a very different challenge. Holes finally break free on the far
side… with the par five 18th sweeping around a lake, below the hotel.
Rossmore
In 2016, Rossmore celebrates 100 years. Located outside Monaghan
town this has always been the club’s home and it is a fine, hilly and
entertaining affair. There are many such excellent country parklands
around Ireland, but Rossmore definitely has the thrill factor: tossing
fairways flow over the drumlins and some charming ponds and
streams make frequent appearances. It may be a short course (par
71, 5,670 metres) but there are many doglegs to test your length
and accuracy. That said, this is one of the sweetest driving courses
around, with tee shots hitting towards perfect Irish countryside time
and again. Check out the map beside the par three 16th tee, then
enjoy a delicious tee shot. The 17th is even better.
152
Old Tom’s classic holes
(with a sprinkling of Braid
and Vardon) snuggle up to
Sheep Haven Bay.