XXXX New Forest
Esker Hills
If golf courses were rollercoasters then Esker Hills would be the biggest ride of all . The eskers make this course almost hypnotic with their heaving rhythm through the lilting Co . Offaly countryside . The design was by Christy O ’ Connor Jr ( 1997 ), who must have been in his element shaping holes between all the twists and turns that this landscape has created . Shane Lowry ’ s name will forever be associated with Esker Hills , but this is a course bristling with adventure : right from the off you are thrown into the mounds , doglegging through the valleys , and up and over those swinging elevation changes . Trees constantly guide the way around a wonderfully routed course . Such a rolling terrain might suggest a buggy is necessary – many golfers will tell you as much – but hit the ball straight and Esker Hills is much more enjoyable on foot . The course throws in four lakes to add some extra drama .
New Forest
One of Ireland ’ s impressive new parklands ( 2006 ), New Forest has an equally impressive clubhouse … a restored 18th century manor house . The drive up to it sets the tone as you see the ease with which the course flows over the parkland estate . One of New Forest ’ s great advantages is that it is both formidable and fun to play . You ’ ll certainly need your driver as fairways coast along the heavily wooded perimeter , around ponds and marshes , and over streams and bridges . The biggest challenge , however , comes on the approach as green complexes are creatively shaped and heavily bunkered . Many holes are noteworthy and the stretch from the 2nd to the 6th is an appetising start . The shot of the day goes to the approach on the par four 13th , with the green sitting by a pond and embraced by towering trees .
36
Birr
Another Leinster gem , Birr uses the tumbling and natural Co . Offaly eskers to magnificent effect and has been doing so since 1893 . The course also promises plenty of woods and tree-lined corridors , which make Birr an exceptionally colourful round of golf . The stunning par threes are a case in point but there are so many good holes here ( the run from the 10th to the 15th is outstanding ) that singling out a few is almost unfair . What is particularly memorable is the visual appeal that greets you on every tee . The shapes and movement of holes make them fun to play – even when shots are blind – and while it may only be a par 70 , it doesn ’ t lack in length , with par fours measuring from 294 metres ( middle white tees ) to 407 metres .
Mullingar
Mullingar is a revered parkland , renowned for its annual Scratch Cup ( won by many Irish greats ) and its par three 2nd . This is old school charm . In 1937 , the legendary James Braid created the simplest of designs by planting tees to indicate tee box and green positions . Or so the story goes . Braid wanted the current 10th to be the 1st , but it was agreed that it was too tough a start . As a 458 yard par four dogleg you ’ ll understand why . The course was upgraded between 2003 and 2005 , which saw some new greens and bunkering , and a reorientation of three holes . The par 72 remains but Mullingar now plays two to three shots harder than before . Importantly , its Braid character remains . Heavy trees pour over bumpy terrain giving that all-embracing , mature setting and , while not a long course ( 6,412 yards ), the trees will wreak havoc on an errant driver .