XXXX Luttrellstown Castle
Luttrellstown Castle
Luttrellstown Castle has the advantage of routing its golf course over a vast 567 acre estate, right on the edge of Dublin city. Big, lazy and expansive, it takes in the River Liffey, as well as sentinel-like mature trees which have been employed to shepherd holes and create impressive backdrops … although the castle at the far end of the course may prove most dramatic of all. There are no climbs, but the undulations ensure a flowing rhythm to your round while the trees add scale and drama. It is a surprisingly open course, with 11 holes featuring water, but it is long. At close to 6,800 yards from the middle tees, you will want to open your shoulders. Stunning clubhouse and facilities.
Royal Dublin
Founded in 1885, Royal Dublin is Ireland’ s oldest links. Its clubhouse sums up the quality and history embraced by the traditional out-and-back routing at one end of Bull Island. There are no big dunes here – this is about the natural twists and turns that make bump-and-run links golf a joy to play. Low, subtle and often narrow fairways lead into exceptional greens … but be warned: the deep bunkers may prove your undoing. You can expect a windy assault when you reach the turn for the prevailing winds that made the front nine play benignly, as they will hammer you all the way home. Being able to hit low shots may be the only way to play this back nine, but take inspiration from the plaque beside the 16th tee. Christy O’ Connor played the last three holes in five under par to win the Carrolls International in 1966, and the plaque marks the starting point.
Portmarnock
A links of low, sweet dunes and sensational strategy. Portmarnock, just north of Dublin city, is revered the world over and with good reason. Apart from the 5th, the holes are always on show from the tee and this can lull you into a false sense of security. It’ s as if you can see the whole painting, but not the detail … and that detail is so vitally important. Holes are so subtle and green complexes so intricate that smart positioning off the tee is crucial. Only then can you attack pins on perfect putting surfaces. Employ your bump-andrun skills as best you can: this is a course where such skills will be rewarded. Established in 1894 the fabric of the course has changed little( despite some recent revisions by Hawtree), while the 14th and 15th are two of the most admired and feared holes in Ireland.
Low, subtle and often narrow fairways lead into exceptional greens … but be warned: the deep bunkers may prove your undoing.
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