Grange
Beech Park
This very pretty course lies to the south of the N7. Such is the
density of deciduous trees that Beech Park is more woodland than
parkland. On the more open front nine trees still shadow you every
step of the way. On the back nine the trees close in. Combined with
the water features it makes Beech Park a charming round of golf. It is
short for a par 72 but the trees add scale and give holes individuality.
This is particularly apparent on the club’s ‘Amen Corner’, where the
par five 13th doglegs non-stop around a lake.
Hermitage
Despite being located beside the busy N4, Hermitage Golf Club
remains an oasis of calm. Boasting a distinguished history this
is classic, mature parkland weaving through dense corridors of
trees. It also promises a heavily undulating landscape as it rolls
and tumbles down to the River Liffey. The biggest change in
elevation is revealed by a walk alongside the clubhouse: the par
three 10th is one of the best and most tempting holes around,
dropping sharply from the clubhouse to a green in front of the
River Liffey. This is also the start of the best run of holes as you
drift inland and find an isolation which belies the club’s suburban
setting. Hermitage is also highly regarded for the quality of its
greens.
Grange
Grange is an old, revered and charming Dublin parkland, designed
by none other than James Braid. The variety of exceptionally
attractive trees and terrain means you will find constant shifts
in pace, shape of holes and the challenges that face you. Grange
boasts an open woodland feel, something emphasised by the
pretty wood in the middle, and holes demand accurate and
intelligent golf as they drift around the trees. It is a quality and
colourful course, right next to Marlay Park. There is a surprising
sense of peace given its Rathfarnham location and the new short
game area is an added bonus.
Castle
One of Dublin’s premier parklands, Castle Golf Club is tucked
away in quiet Rathfarnham suburbia. It has a lovely rhythm over
flattish terrain, which is no doubt a testament to the work of the
famous golf architect, Harry Colt. Corridors of evergreens give
a dark air to the course and certainly they can make for tight
driving, with holes curling left or right. It will only take a few holes
to realise that while Castle is a short par 72, it will make a fool of
you if you don’t find the fairways. A class course from start to
finish.
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