Rathsallagh
Rosslare
Rosslare sits alone on the south-east tip of the island , a low , fast links streaking over sweet and subtle fairways into some deeper dunes . It is all on show but you can be sure of hidden hollows , unpredictable humps and deceptive approaches to greens . The course sits on a narrow peninsula so all but two holes head out or back , meaning wind is a very real factor when you turn for home ( the 8th ). The terrain is used brilliantly , nowhere more so than the long par four 11th . This is the hardest hole on the course , typically playing into the wind . A good drive will still leave a blind approach over a large ridge sliding across from the right . A red and white pole offers directions to a sunken green but it is always a daunting shot .
Rathsallagh
Not a single tree was felled in the design of this course … emphasising how beautifully wooded and yet spacious Rathsallagh is . It ’ s like playing through a grand estate … one where tall solitary trees can prove utterly intimidating . And magnetic . This is sweet , sometimes turbulent , Co . Wicklow countryside and that becomes immediately apparent from the clubhouse when you peer down holes 9 , 10 and 18 . As such , it promises plenty of variety with numerous stand-out holes ( 2 , 6 , 8 , 10 , 13 , 14 , 18 ). The par four 10th ( Index 1 ) is one of the best and toughest par fours you ’ ll face . The beautiful Rathsallagh House hotel overlooks the course .
European Club
The European comes with all sorts of accolades – the best modern links course in the world chief among them – and a rich history that whirls around the legend who is Pat Ruddy . The European Club , put simply , is the course that Pat built . Set on the Co . Wicklow coastline , next to Brittas Bay , this is a big , lilting and muscular test of golf . Pat does not design ‘ easy ’ courses ; he makes you work for your par and The European is especially challenging off the tee . Several of the green sites are more forgiving , but only from the fairway … hit offline and the renowned railway-sleepered bunkers will cause you endless headaches . The course boasts 20 holes ( two additional par threes ) and while the Index 1 7th is rated as one of the best holes in the world , the 11th , 12th ( with its longest green in Europe ) and 17th may prove even more appealing .
Mount Wolseley
One of our big parklands , Mount Wolseley comes with plenty of muscle ( back tees : 7,300 yards ) as well as a smart hotel . This is another Christy O ’ Connor Jr design and choosing the right tee will make a significant difference to your round . There is dynamic movement to the landscape as emphasised by the opening three holes routed through big trees and over water . This is as good / tough a start as you will play ( Indices 7 , 3 and 1 ) but it gets you in the mood for a round that demands strong driving . The many bunkers splashed about protect fairways and greens vigorously , and the big , slick putting surfaces are hard to gauge . Most of the long holes are doglegs and the short 4th may be the biggest risk vs . reward hole in Ireland . A sharp dogleg of 338 yards , the green is only 260 yards away , directly over a lake .
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