Rosapenna (Old Tom Morris)
Favourite Hole: The par three 14th is beautifully framed
by the dunes and sits in solitude, close to the bay.
What’s in the Bag? Given the natural terrain on the back
(Old Tom) nine you need to appreciate that the land will
toy with your ball as it sees fit.
When you adorn a course with the name of one of the game’s most
legendary figures it will bristle with a certain ageless aura. Today’s
course combines Old Tom Morris with new Pat Ruddy… a new
nine holes designed by Ruddy were opened in 2009. These form
today’s front nine away from the sea. The dunes here are bumpy
and low, allowing Ruddy to create plenty of deception, especially
on green approaches. Old Tom’s classic holes (with plenty of Colt
and a sprinkling of Braid and Vardon) snuggle up to Sheephaven Bay,
behind the resort’s hotel. These are so natural and fluid, and they
use the landscape to perfection. You only have to look at the greens
to appreciate that. And there are even a few old-school quirks which
add to the thrill. The two nines form a pincer movement around the
Sandy Hills course which rises up above the Old Tom course.
www.rosapenna.ie
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