Galgorm Castle
Spa
This is a tidy, often turbulent parkland in the heart of Co. Down.
It starts as it means to go on with a sweet and straight par four
between the trees, rising to a flag that tempts you from the tee
box. There is plenty of wild woodland scattered over fine flowing
countryside and it gives Spa a certain elegance. From the clubhouse
look down the 9th and 18th, which sit in parallel, and you’ll
appreciate the shapes Spa throws at you. Both holes descend into
a deep dip before rising quickly to the green. The par three 2nd and
17th are two of the highlights, but this is a strong parkland from start
to finish.
Co. Armagh
From the clubhouse you will get an inkling of the sort of golf
course you’ll be playing. Gentle swells, heaving trees, fine
routing… they all combine to make this little known course a
very worthwhile destination. At times you’ll be amazed by the
setting because this is on the edge of Armagh town, yet many
of the holes are completely immersed in trees and peacefulness.
Co. Armagh is also old and, on this landscape, that means big
mature trees and holes gliding between them. There are water
features, but not too many, and the finishing stretch is what is
affectionately known as a card-wrecker.
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Galgorm Castle
Parkland golf doesn’t get much more elegant or tranquil than
this. Two rivers run through the course while charming lakes
lace several fairways. They threaten and divide holes. With
no changes in elevation this is as gentle a round as you’ll
find… but it is also the home of the Northern Irish Open/ISPS
HANDA, so you know the quality will be excellent. Galgorm
Castle is not designed to be punishing but the doglegs will test
your positioning skills and the water can prove magnetic. And
then there are the many mature trees spread over the estate
(the castle lies to your left on the drive in). Inviting greens,
sweet par threes and great extras, too.
Rosapenna (Old Tom Morris)
Today’s course combines Old Tom Morris with new Pat Ruddy,
who designed a new nine holes 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.