XXXX Farnham Estate
Farnham Estate
A parkland of sweeping variety and landscapes , which drifts lazily around the impressive Radisson hotel at the heart of this plush resort . Farnham was designed by Jeff Howes and opened in 2009 . The opening nine holes stretch over a hillside and then around it , enjoying acres of space . There are several water features ( the 2nd and 4th are beauties ) and deep swathes of rough are to be avoided . The back nine take you up into the forest where the tree corridors present a very different challenge . Holes finally break free on the far side … with the par five 18th sweeping around a lake , below the hotel .
Royal Portrush ( Valley )
The Valley has always played second fiddle to its Dunluce Championship sibling , but this is a par 70 course designed by Harry Colt . Routed over the lower land between the gargantuan dune that defends it from the sea and the Dunluce that rises above it on the other border , this is a terrific , tumbling links . The fairways are beautifully unpredictable , the greens sit over humps and hollows and you ’ ll be tested all day long . Greens are often embraced by wild rose bushes which ensure a thorny adventure for the over ambitious The current changes ( for the Open Championship 2019 ) mean that the Valley receives a Silver award in 2017 .
Rosapenna ( Old Tom Morris )
When you adorn a course with the name of one of the game ’ s most legendary figures it will bristle with a certain ageless aura . Today ’ s course combines Old Tom Morris with new Pat … a new nine holes designed by Pat Ruddy were opened in 2009 , and form the front nine , away from the sea . The dunes are bumpy and low allowing Ruddy to create plenty of deception , especially on green approaches . Old Tom ’ s classic holes ( with a sprinkling of Braid and Vardon ) snuggle up to Sheep Haven Bay , behind the resort ’ s hotel . They are so natural and they use the landscape to perfection … it promises a quirk or two .
Rossmore
In 2016 , Rossmore celebrated 100 years . Located outside Monaghan town this has always been the club ’ s home and it is a fine , hilly and entertaining affair . There are many such excellent country parklands around Ireland , but Rossmore definitely has the thrill factor : tossing fairways flow over the drumlins and some charming ponds and streams make frequent appearances . It may be a short course ( par 71 , 5,670 metres ) but there are many doglegs to test your length and accuracy . That said , this is one of the sweetest driving courses around , with tee shots hitting towards perfect Irish countryside time and again . Check out the map beside the par three 16th tee , then enjoy a delicious tee shot . The 17th is even better .
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