XXXX Rosapenna( Sandy HIlls)
Rosapenna( Sandy Hills)
Co. Donegal’ s rich set of golf courses includes 45 holes at Rosapenna( soon to be 91). Rosapenna combines the very old with the very new: Old Tom Morris came here in the 1890s, while Sandy Hills was designed over 100 years later by Pat Ruddy. Given this stormy sea of dunes crashing over high ground, Pat must have been in his element as he carved fairways through the natural contours. Elevated tees promise delicious tee shots onto tossing fairways before rising to the greens. At times it feels as if you only come up for air between holes, to be met by the stunning vistas.
Lough Erne
The lakes of Co. Fermanagh make this entire region dazzle like diamonds. And, around one such diamond, Nick Faldo created a glorious parkland course with water always in view and often in play. Lough Erne is the plushest of Ireland’ s golf resorts, with five star quality every inch of the way – in the hotel, the spa and on the golf course, where no expense has been spared. It’ s the full package and even the walk over the bridge to reach the 1st tee oozes quality. The course starts beside Castle Hume Lough, before sliding quickly into the forest where you’ ll fully appreciate the size and scale of the greens and green complexes. When the course reaches the par five 6th, high up between hotel and water, you will discover the biggest charms of Lough Erne: generous, languid fairways flowing over ever moving terrain. For lakeside golf there are far more elevation changes than you’ d expect.
Donegal
The stunning setting of Donegal Golf Club( aka Murvagh) is part of this wonderful links golf experience … as is the long, isolated drive to reach the course.‘ Long’ and‘ isolated’ also aptly describe the course. The club is tucked away from prying eyes( barely a house to be seen on the surrounding hills and Blue Stack Mountains) and such remoteness is enchanting. As for length, Donegal is renowned for it. From the back tees it is 6,765 metres, so you’ ll be pleased to know there are five tees to choose from. Low snaking dunes rush over the spacious terrain, rising to become more aggressive beasts next to Donegal Bay, where the best run of holes can be found.
Concra Wood
Only opened in 2008, Concra Wood is one of Ireland’ s youngest and highest quality parklands … there would be few who would dispute it also has the most beautiful setting of any inland course. Set on the shores of Lake Muckno, holes and water are deeply entwined, rarely apart for long and sublime when their embrace tightens. On three occasions you could find yourself hitting over the lake’ s waters. The elevation changes are significant, promising mesmerising views and countless tempting tee and approach shots. Your shot to the 10th green is one you will be desperate to hit perfectly so you can watch it soar before it falls to the putting surface far below. Designed by the O’ Connor duo( Sr and Jr), this is golf on a big and spacious scale. Holes move freely over sweet, tree-drenched landscapes, introducing you to the lake on several holes. Expect all the smart touches of such a professional course, especially the greens.
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