Loughrea
Castlebar
If you like to think your way around a golf course, then Castlebar
is just the ticket. With a par of 71 and a length of 5,555 metres
(middle tees), this is a course big hitters may feel they can take
apart. That won’t happen. This is a tidy, often tight, undulating,
tree-lined parkland just outside Castlebar town. Water
features prominently, too, so tackling the greens requires smart
positioning off the tee. Eighteen new greens were added in 2001,
taking Castlebar to a whole new level, with putting surfaces and
shapes described in glowing terms by all who have experienced
them. New holes are under construction.
Oughterard
Oughterard has two things that make it stand out: the greens are
large and beautifully shaped (thanks to new ones built at the end of
the 1990s); and eight par fours fall between 370 and 400 metres, from
the middle white tees… making Oughterard quite the test. The par
of 70 stretches to 5,876 metres. The real fun comes on the approach
shots through avenues of trees to raised and inviting greens. They
promise deliciously tempting shots. There is only one significant
dogleg and it’s the double dogleg par five 8th… which also happens
to be the best hole on the course.
120
Gort
Gort embraces 160 acres of bumpy, tossing, Co. Clare
countryside. Some holes have big changes in elevation while
others are far more gentle, but the course can change its shape
within a few yards. It keeps you on your toes as these holes
combine some tricky doglegs, blind drives, ponds and four very
good par threes. The course opened in 1996 and was designed by
Christy O’Connor Jr. The shapeliness of the landscape was ideal
for him and he has created a course which will entertain all levels
of golfers. The views stretch in every direction, including to the
Slieve Aughty mountains and hills of Clare.
Loughrea
This quiet country course was first extended to 18 holes by
Eddie Hackett in 1992, but built four new holes in the 200os.
It is the natural feel of Loughrea’s terrain that makes golf here
such a pleasure. There is no need for glamorous touches on a
course where the landscape does all of the work. Trees frame
holes on the opening nine especially. The back nine elevates
proceedings with some tricky water features and open,
tossing countryside. Even so, you can open the shoulders here,
especially on holes 13 to 15 where you’ll get a true feel for
Loughrea’s shapely terrain.