XXXX
Monkstown
Dundrum House
This is such a peaceful estate setting for a golf course with
the Multeen River sliding gracefully through the Co. Tipperary
landscape. It affects several holes and is a serious water hazard.
Big trees dominate and the course’s designer, Philip Walton, did a
wonderful job using the natural features to create this impressive
par 72 course. It starts calmly, easing you in, but after three lakeland-
style holes Dundrum House really begins to hum from the par five
7th on. This is when the river comes in to play and it is a danger on
tee shots and approaches alike. One of the undoubted highlights is
the tenth, where a stand of three regal oaks dominates the fairway
and the river runs along the right hand side. It is a dogleg and Index 2.
Clonmel
Set in the foothills of the Comeragh Mountains, high above the
town, Clonmel is a hillside parkland that embraces its natural
charms… just as so many Eddie Hackett courses do. Woods are
everywhere and border much of the course, revealing a mountain-
scape at one end and views over the River Suir valley at the other.
In between are some bumpy fairways, slippery greens and strong
changes in elevation. The par three 14th is an exceptional par three,
hitting into the heart of a mountain from a high tee, while the 13th is
Index 1, with a sharply sloping right-to-left fairway. Expect plenty of
entertaining shot-making.
108
Monkstown
A fine, mature parkland awaits at Monkstown, just south-east of
Cork city and sitting in peaceful surroundings. Trees define holes
from the start and as a short course you’ll find those trees prove
over-protective time and again. Careful judgement is required off
the tee and the best hole on the course – the par four 10th – calls
for two razor sharp shots, first through a tricky dogleg in the trees
and then to a perched green sitting above water. But this is a gentle,
embracing affair and its length makes it fun and accessible for
everyone. There’s a modern and plush clubhouse, too.
Castletroy
This is a quality suburban parkland on the outskirts of Limerick
city. It may not have acres of space, but it uses smart design and
routing to provide an invigorating test of golf. And, at 6,000
metres, it is longer than you might expect. The 2006 renovations
have proved a big success with new bunkering, water features
and sparkling new greens elevating the course’s reputation and
challenges considerably. Today’s course slides comfortably back
and forth between the trees, with some high tee box settings
offering terrific tee shots – particularly on the back nine.