DESTINATIONGOLF . TRAVEL
CONNACHT
Athenry
Castlebar
If you like to think your way around a golf course , then Castlebar is just the ticket . With a par of 72 and a modest length of 5,518 metres ( middle tees ) big hitters may feel they can take it apart . That won ’ t happen . Caution and clever thinking are required to create the most opportunities on a course that has always been highly regarded for its greens . In 2021 , Castlebar started a new chapter with six brand new holes and five redesigned holes , which include three new green complexes . Designed by Jeff Howes and constructed over three years these holes have allowed Castlebar to inflate its scale , introduce more drama and give holes more individuality .
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 .
Athenry
A strong country parkland moving easily between the trees and into a woodland setting for several holes . This is country golf at its finest , with good maintenance , nice flourishes and one enjoyable hole after another . The 1st hole skirts a fairy ring while the 4th includes a woody dell . The closing holes are lost in pine trees that create a moody finish but this is where the strongest holes await . There are no elevation changes so it is left to the trees and gently curling fairways to challenge you while greens offer their own surprises .
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