Destination Golf Ireland 2020 * | Page 62

Dun Laoghaire XXXX Dun Laoghaire The clubhouse is one of the plushest you will find while the views from outside are glorious, but the three strong nines are the main attraction. Set on a gentle hillside, facing the Great Sugarloaf, Dun Laoghaire boasts three loops of different shapes and challenges. The Lower nine drop away from the clubhouse onto mostly level terrain with big water features; the Middle nine are the most colourful and shapely; and the Upper nine offer the biggest changes in elevation, with plenty of doglegs whipping around bunkers. The Lower nine drop away from the clubhouse onto mostly level terrain with big water features. 60 Portmarnock A links of low, sweet dunes and sensational strategy. Portmarnock, just north of Dublin city, is revered the world over and with good reason. Apart from the 5th, the holes are always on show from the tee and this can lull you into a false sense of security. It’s as if you can see the whole painting, but not the detail… and that detail is so vitally important. Holes are so subtle and green complexes so intricate that smart positioning off the tee is crucial. Only then can you attack pins on perfect putting surfaces. Employ your bump- and-run skills as best you can: this is a course where such skills will be rewarded. Established in 1894 the fabric of the course has changed little, while the 14th and 15th are two of the most admired and feared holes in Ireland. Holes are so subtle and green complexes so intricate that smart positioning off the tee is crucial.