Favourite Hole: The par four 13th is a downhill dogleg between intimidating trees. It’ s a tee shot to make you nervous … but your approach will be from a downhill lie. Two tough shots.
What ' s in the Bag? The rough is not too punitive but you’ ll invariably find a branch in your way so, on a shortish course, finding the fairway is everything.
Coollattin
Arboretum golf, pure and simple. Set in an old estate, Coollattin’ s trees are as varied and colourful – and ever-present – as on any course you’ ll find in Ireland. It is a magical setting and holes weave through the huge trees to give you the full exhibition. They threaten constantly off the tee and if you can avoid an errant shot into the woods you are doing extremely well. The greens and their surrounds are tricky, no doubt a defence against the fairly short length of this par 72 course, and there are some deceptive slopes to fairways which will frustrate even the best. It is pretty and enchanting but it can also sucker-punch you in a heartbeat. The par threes are very good indeed and Coollattin is famous for its short 5th tucked away in a walled garden. It measures just 120 yards. The course recently introduced three new holes to give the course more space … so now there are even more trees to worry about!
www. coollattingolfclub. com
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