Waterford Castle
West Waterford
There are certain courses which sum up the beauty and peacefulness of the Irish landscape , and few do it better than West Waterford . The River Brickey brushes along one side of the course , threatening on a few of the back nine holes , while the Comeragh and Knockmealdown mountains form a bucolic backdrop , particularly on the front half of the course . West Waterford is gentle and easy on the eye , the rolling landscape inviting big drives towards generous fairways . It is not designed to be difficult , preferring instead to be accessible and fun but , at par 72 , 6,500 yards from the white tees , it still demands smart golf .
Waterford Castle
Having a private island for a golf course … and requiring a ferry to reach it … will always whet the appetite . The castle ( now a hotel on the River Suir ) alongside just adds to the air of elegance . Waterford Castle was designed by Des Smyth , and opened in 1992 . It is an idyllic and colourful setting and the golf course follows suit , running over undulating terrain and into and out of mature woodland . There are water features inland too , and you ’ ll get a feel for the course ’ s charm , colour and quality as early as the par three 2nd and the Index 1 par four 3rd . A sweet bridge divides the two .
Waterford
A distinguished old parkland , Waterford tumbles down the side of a mostly gentle hill . ‘ Mostly ’ because the 18th promises a steep descent and the most intimidating approach shot of the day . Holes sweep over lilting terrain and through lines of evergreen , hawthorn and oak . The trees certainly get close on occasion but this is an inviting and short course so it ’ s a round to be enjoyed , from start to finish . The course owes its design to James Braid and Willie Park Jr , so you ’ re talking old school charm and challenges . Sweet par threes .
Tramore
This old club recently received a major dash of revitalisation , completed by Jeff Howes in 2012 . New greens and bunkering were the focus on a flowing parkland with impressive stands of trees enshrining holes . Despite these trees – and the water – it still manages to feel airy . This is a smart , quality parkland where the challenges come in all shapes and sizes . The par four 17th , for example , is just 316 metres ( middle white tees ) but it is Index 5 with trees crowding the tee box , and , while you ’ ll fancy your birdie chances on the four par fives ( 430 to 460 metres ), don ’ t be fooled : Tramore has plenty of surprises in store . Howes also added an extra nine holes .
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