Grange
Castle
One of Dublin’ s premier parklands, Castle Golf Club is tucked away in quiet Rathfarnham suburbia. It has a lovely rhythm over flattish terrain, which is no doubt a testament to the work of the famous golf architect, Harry Colt. Corridors of evergreens give a dark air to the course and certainly they can make for tight driving, with holes curling left or right. It will only take a few holes to realise that while Castle is a short par 72, it will make a fool of you if you don’ t find the fairways. A class course from start to finish.
Beech Park
This very pretty course lies to the south of the N7. Such is the density of deciduous trees that Beech Park is more woodland than parkland. On the more open front nine trees still shadow you every step of the way. On the back nine the trees close in. Combined with the water features it makes Beech Park a charming round of golf. It is short for a par 72 but the trees add scale and give holes individuality. This is particularly apparent on the club’ s‘ Amen Corner’, where the par five 13th doglegs non-stop around a lake.
Grange
Grange is an old, revered and charming Dublin parkland, designed by none other than James Braid. It is just three years older than nearby Castle, but it has a very different rhythm. The variety of exceptionally attractive trees and terrain means you will find constant shifts in pace, shape of holes and the challenges that face you. Nowhere is this more obvious than the renowned two opening holes – back-to-back par threes. The 1st rises 173 metres; the 2nd drops 122 metres, over a stream. Trees surround you for both. Walk off with two pars and you should slap yourself on the back. Grange boasts an open woodland feel, something emphasised by the pretty wood which divides the course, and holes demand accurate and intelligent golf as they drift around the trees. It is a quality and colourful course, right next to Marlay Park, with a striking clubhouse and an additional six holes.
Grange boasts an open woodland feel, something emphasised by the pretty wood which divides the course, and holes demand accurate and intelligent golf as they drift around the trees.
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