Favourite Hole : the par four 16th is an idyllic and natural par four rising between rolling shoulders of fern and deep grasses to a small , perched green . It is Index 2 .
What ’ s in the Bag ? Strong driving and a positive putting stroke .
Carlow
They don ’ t come much older or more distinguished than Carlow Golf Club . The club dates back to 1899 , although the current site wasn ’ t employed until 1922 . Tom Simpson revised the layout in the early 1940s and the course has remained unchanged since then . Given the current trend of modernising older parklands , Carlow is a perfect example of why clubs should embrace their roots . A big rolling landscape provides some elegant and natural settings for greens and tees . The terrain is well wooded but despite chaperoning holes so beautifully the trees rarely cause problems . The acclaimed 8th is a perfect exception as the hole descends sharply through a dark corridor of beech and oak . It may not have the dramatic shapes of big modern parklands but Carlow fiercely embodies the art of subtlety and old-school quality . It makes it all the more charming . With a par of 70 , golfers will need smart approach play to find the small , devilish greens . It also boasts fairways and greens playable all year round .
www . carlowgolfclub . ie
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