Warrenpoint
Warrenpoint
Three par fives in the opening four holes make for a top-heavy
start at Warrenpoint. Stretched over mostly flat terrain they do,
however, present strong scoring opportunities… something you
will want to avail of as the holes that follow are more difficult,
have greater shape and restrict wild driving. And yet it is a short
course so prepare to play intelligent golf between colourful,
often intrusive trees. The club has produced several international
players and, given the quality and demands of the course, it
is little wonder. The run of holes from 11 to 15, in the farthest
corner, is what you will cherish most.
Bangor
James Braid designed Bangor in the 1930s. Since then the trees
have established themselves in great armies of colour, making
Bangor one of the sweetest parklands in Northern Ireland. And
it remains unknown outside the country. Given the quality (the
Braid design has been left intact), the adventure and the big, fast
greens that is a shame. There is one hill that rises in the middle
of the course to create two levels – one high, one low. This hill
and the rolling terrain create so many exceptional driving holes
here it will warm the heart, whatever the Irish weather chooses
to throw at you. The 5th and 16th are the pick as they use the
hillside to full effect. The 16th drives at sea and distant hills.
156
Kilkeel
An estate parkland at the foot of the Mourne Mountains is always
going to set pulses racing, but it is the woodland of oak and beech
through which you play for much of the round that really grabs
your attention. The trees will grab your ball, too, so you need to
negotiate holes carefully as there are many doglegs. It may not be
a long course (par 72, 6,250 yards) but it calls for intelligent golf,
especially on several blind holes. Green and tee settings use the
rolling landscape and trees to full and often dramatic effect. Holes 6
and 7 are sensational.
Holywood
As the home club of Rory McIlroy, Holywood definitely deserves
a visit. Forget the bells and whistles of plush parklands… come
and enjoy a course that not only has ‘celebrity’ on its side, but
also a host of fun holes that inject the joy back into playing golf.
With its short length and two loops of nine it is easy to play
quickly. It will hone your short game, too. This is hillside golf
with ridges and dips, perched greens, a couple of climbs, bumpy
terrain and plenty of trees. As such, this is no place to go wild
off the tee. Sensible golf (and a visit inside the clubhouse) makes
Holywood a very enjoyable day indeed.