Howth
Citywest
The Championship golf course at Citywest plays alongside the
resort’s hotel and conference centre. It falls into two distinct nines
which test different facets of your game: the front nine are short
and tight, with several doglegs, and water on six holes; the back nine
are longer and considerably bigger as they slide through heavier
trees. Water reappears for the final strong stretch of four holes. It
is a testing finish with the 18th being the course’s longest par four
(Index 2) aiming straight into the hotel’s embrace. Water threatens
drive and approach shot alike. Citywest may only be a par 69, with
six par threes, but it is no place to go wild off the tee.
Howth
Howth is a hilltop course, drenched in gorse, heather and
adventure. The scenery along Dublin’s coastline and over the
city is wonderful, and, wherever you stand, the views stretch
out below you. Plenty of energy is required as you’ll be heading
up and down this 5,700m course all day… on the plus side, this
means a vast array of fun shots over and through the gorse. There
is one other critical factor to consider: Howth was designed by
the legendary James Braid, so expect some smart design features.
The dogleg 5th is an obvious example. 2016 will see the course
celebrating its 100th anniversary.
Castleknock
Opened in 2006, Castleknock wraps around a stylish clubhouse. The
drive in shows off a hotel and several holes. It is a tasty introduction
to this new suburban course where moles move over a shapely
terrain. As a young course it feels quite open so it is left to the
well-placed, attractive bunkers and water features to threaten tee
shots and approaches. Greens are often hidden by the swells of
the fairway. There are five par fives and five par threes, which keep
things interesting, and this is most noticeable on the impressive
side-by-side par threes – the 9th and 1 8th – which hit over a lake to
a double green beneath the clubhouse.
Stackstown
Forever now known as Padraig Harrington’s home club, Stackstown is
a dynamic hillside parkland overlooking Dublin city. It is short, steep,
great value and lots of fun. Pine forest presents the backdrop in one
direction, while the Dublin cityscape lies below the course. There is
nothing complicated to the design, nor does there need to be. Here,
holes run across the slopes promising dramatic shots all day long.
But it is tricky, with some blind shots, so it requires smart golf. Don’t
forget to pay a visit to the dedicated Harrington room.
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