Spa
Kirkistown Castle
James Braid redesigned this quiet links on the eastern coastline
of Co. Down in the 1930s. He was the perfect man for the job as
Kirkistown Castle’s landscape played into the master designer’s
hands. He employed his trademark deception around the green,
punitive bunkering and oodles of subtlety. It may not feel big or
long (par 69, 6,167 yards) but expect to be tested with hard to gauge
fairways. Seven of the par fours measure over 400 yards and wellbunkered greens always present problems. Holes play over two
levels: low, bumpy terrain and across a high exposed ridge, which
promises some stunning drives and approaches, as well as views
across the rest of the course.
Massereene
There are many strong parklands in Northern Ireland, but
Massereene’s shape and intrigue give it an extra layer of quality.
Add in its modest length (par 72, 6,400 yards, middle tees), small
greens and lots of doglegs and you have a course that becomes
a strategic golfer’s cornucopia. And that’s before mentioning the
trees, many of which have been growing here since the club was
formed in 1895. They like to squeeze fairways and elbow doglegs.
The 1st hole sets the tone as it doglegs right, around trees, before
rising sharply to a green perched on a ridge. A sweetly paced
course that will put manners on you.
154
Spa
This is a tidy, often turbulent parkland in the heart of Co. Down.
It starts as it means to go on with a sweet and straight par four
between the trees, rising to a flag that tempts you from the tee
box. There is plenty of wild woodland scattered over fine flowing
countryside and it gives Spa a certain elegance. From the clubhouse
look down the 9th and 18th, which sit in parallel, and you’ll
appreciate the shapes Spa throws at you. Both holes descend into
a deep dip before rising quickly to the green. The par three 2nd and
17th are two of the highlights, but this is a fine, strong parkland from
start to finish.
Hilton Templepatrick
From the back tees, Hilton Templepatrick is a beast of over 7,000
yards – a result no doubt of its championship ambitions when
it was opened in 1999 – but from the mortals’ forward tees it
measures 6,200. Regardless, this is an expansive parkland affair
behind the Hilton hotel and it flows over a gentle landscape.
There is lots of water and the estate’s mature trees have been
used to give character throughout the course… with many more
trees planted since opening. The five lakes, stream and river
may be the most prominent features but you will undoubtedly
remember the remarkable and very inviting green complexes.