DESTINATION GOLF 2023
Adare Manor
Cork
The name ‘ Alister MacKenzie ’ lures golfers from around the world and Cork Golf Club is rightly proud of his work here , on Little Island . Blossoming with old school charm it combines holes clinging to the waters of Cork Harbour ( 4 to 6 ), parkland holes flowing through the trees and the famous limestone quarry holes . The mature setting perfectly entwines the three different types . Cork keeps you on your toes and keeps the adrenaline racing , especially with a couple of sharp and unexpected elevation changes at the end of the round . Look out for Seve ’ s Tree , a Spanish Chestnut planted to celebrate the legend ’ s 332 metre drive on the 11th hole .
Dromoland Castle
This stunning estate parkland in Co . Clare blends into over 400 acres of mature woodland . It rumbles over open rolling pasture , through the dense trees and brings natural lakes ( with Special Areas of Conservation ) and streams into play . It is the full five star parkland package with super quality and a back nine that enthrals and terrifies in equal measure … the pretty and driveable par four 15th is followed by the brutally tough Index 1 16th . The 16th century baronial castle presides over it all and when you tee off on the towering par three 7th – the shot of the day – the castle lies beyond . Home to the Women ’ s Irish Open in 2022 and 2023 .
Adare Manor
Known as ‘ The Golf Course at Adare Manor ’ the new Adare opened to great fanfare in 2018 . Tom Fazio ’ s redesign was eagerly anticipated and while the routing has not changed every green , tee and bunker has been replaced , and fairways re-shaped . Thousands of trees have been cleared to make it more playable and rough is minimal . Apart from the water features and River Maigue you shouldn ’ t lose a ball here . But you could lose your head around raised greens which boast vast aprons and steep slopes . Your greatest challenge on this immaculately maintained course ( with sub-air technology ) is holding that putting surface . The Ryder Cup arrives in 2027 .
Fota Island
Fota Island boasts 27 holes , exceptional practice facilities , a fine hotel and an equally fine clubhouse . It has hosted the Irish Open on three occasions and the beautiful maturity of its island setting suggests that it has been here for decades . The resort covers 580 acres with Fota Wildlife Park the island ’ s only other resident . This is a lovely lazy round of golf . Despite all the trees and lakes , the fairways are big and generous . Fota Island is laid out to be pleasurable and there is so much pleasure to be had … off the tee , on approaches and on the smooth putting surfaces .
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