Hilton Templepatrick
Kirkistown Castle
James Braid redesigned this quiet links on the eastern coastline of Co.
Down in the 1930s. He was the perfect man for the job as Kirkistown
Castle’s landscape played into the master designer’s hands. He
employed his trademark deception around the green, punitive
bunkering and oodles of subtlety. It may not feel big or long (par
69, 6,167 yards) but expect to be tested with hard to gauge fairways.
Seven of the par fours measure over 400 yards and well-bunkered
greens always present problems. Holes play over two levels: low,
bumpy terrain and across a high exposed ridge, which promises some
stunning drives and approaches, as well as views across the rest of
the course.
Hilton Templepatrick
From the back tees, Hilton Templepatrick is a beast of over 7,000
yards – a result no doubt of its championship ambitions when
it was opened in 1999 – but from the mortals’ forward tees it
measures 6,200. Regardless, this is an expansive parkland affair
behind the Hilton hotel and it flows over a gentle landscape.
There is lots of water and the estate’s mature trees have been
used to give character throughout the course… with many more
trees planted since opening. The five lakes, stream and river
may be the most prominent features but you will undoubtedly
remember the remarkable and very inviting green complexes.
Warrenpoint
Three par fives in the opening four holes make for a top-heavy
start at Warrenpoint. Stretched over mostly flat terrain they do,
however, present strong scoring opportunities… something you
will want to avail of as the holes which follow are more difficult,
have greater shape and restrict wild driving. And yet it is a short
course so prepare to play intelligent golf between colourful,
often intrusive trees. The club has produced several international
players and, given the demands of the course, it is little wonder.
The run of holes from 11 to 15, in the farthest corner, is what you
will cherish most.
Massereene
There are many strong parklands in Northern Ireland, but
Massereene’s shape and intrigue give it an extra layer of quality.
Add in its modest length (par 72, 6,400 yards, middle tees), small
greens and lots of doglegs and you have a course that becomes
a strategic golfer’s cornucopia. And that’s before mentioning the
trees, many of which have been growing here since the club was
formed in 1895. They like to squeeze fairways and elbow doglegs.
The 1st hole sets the tone as it doglegs right, around trees, before
rising sharply to a green perched on a ridge. A sweetly paced
course that will put manners on you.
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