Headfort (New)
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.
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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Headfort (New)
Headfort has two very different but excellent parkland courses.
The New opened in 2001, spread across a swathe of the old
Headfort Estate. It is home to majestic trees, bountiful water
features and two islands which are at the heart of the course. Holes
fit elegantly into the undulating landscape and, despite its length
(6,164m middle tees), every shot is enjoyable. Big (and straight)
hitters will love it. The par threes are exceptional. The natural water
features are, not surprisingly, a constant highlight, appearing in one
shape or another on the opening 10 holes, as well as three more.
Holes 9 and 10 demand big drives over a lake, so finding land is a
victory. A couple of pretty walks to and from tees only adds to the
feeling that this course has been here a long time.
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.