Gowran Park
Gowran Park
A golf course which combines tree-lined parkland holes with race-
course holes. Yes, this is the only course in Ireland that asks you
to play into a horse racing track… and out again. And the course is
all the more entertaining for it. You start and finish inside the rails,
playing over undulating, exposed terrain, buttered with gorse. Then
it’s into the woods for a parkland feast where you’ll do well to
avoid the trees (just wait till the straight par four 15th) and several
water features (the par four 4th, par five 8th and 12th are particularly
vexing). The ‘clubhouse’ sits on the third floor of the racing stands,
with views for miles.
Greenore
Greenore sits on the Cooley Peninsula, curving around
Carlingford Lough, where an old train line mirrors the shape
of the beach below. Several front nine tee boxes sit up here,
promising tempting shots to the fairways and greens below.
This is mostly a flat, open course with some links-like undulations
close to the sea and matchstick-like pines soaring above holes
closer to the clubhouse. It is a fun mix in an attractive setting
where water features threaten often. So, too, does the wind.
Expect a big day with the driver and with so much space you’ll
want to open your shoulders.
Portarlington
As gentle and peaceful a parkland as you could hope to find,
Portarlington sits a couple of miles outside town alongside the River
Barrow. The course weaves through mature trees and demands
strong driving and an impressive ability to draw or fade the ball on
six holes. It tests you plenty without ever losing the joy of playing
here. Index 1 is a prime example: it is a par four of over 400 metres,
sliding through a tight corridor of Beech and Oak, but two more
wonderful shots you will not hit… and you might well encounter
red squirrels en route to the hole. Behind the green lies the river
which makes a dramatic appearance late in the round. This is a well
maintained, lovely country course, which punches way above its
weight. In holes 7, 8, 14 and 15, Portarlington has some of the best
holes you’ll play.
Woodenbridge
Routed through a spectacularly wooded valley, Woodenbridge
is almost overwhelmed by the peaceful beauty all around it. Two
rivers weave through the course, adding to that beauty but also
adding to the challenges, and you have to cross one of these
rivers to reach the clubhouse. It’s the sort of start that fills you
with anticipation. This is as sweet and relaxing a golf setting as
you could ask for. It is also a short, mostly straight course (par 71,
6,341 yards, back tees) so you’ll feel ambitious stepping onto the
1st tee. But… the greens here can easily make a fool of you.
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