DESTINATIONGOLF . TRAVEL
CONNACHT
Co . Sligo
Co . Sligo
A links which sits out at the end of Rosses Point , commanding sensational views over Drumcliff and Sligo bays , distant mountains and , most dominant of all , Benbulbin - the flat-topped mountain creates a daunting backdrop . And if the setting is majestic , then so too is the golf course . Laid out over a dunescape of contrasting rhythms , this is where the acclaimed Harry Colt created 18 intriguingly individual holes . Indeed , there are almost three courses in one , such are the changing landscapes . There are so many ‘ wow ’ moments including the 3rd , 5th , 9th and 10th tee boxes , while the 17th is one of the best and toughest par fours in the country .
Galway Bay
The setting for Galway Bay couldn ’ t be more idyllic . The land flows down to the sea from the highest point ( the clubhouse ) and views spill across the water to Galway City and the Burren . There are two loops of nine here , each touching the sea on two sides . The course has been designed to resemble a links and the barren , aesthetically shaped landscape definitely has links feel . And let ’ s not forget the wind . There aren ’ t many trees here but those that exist are bent low by the prevailing winds . Galway Bay offers something a little different . Just mind the many bunkers that dazzle along fairways and under greens .
Strandhill
The sea squeezes this stunning links on two sides . Riders of the waves prefer the west , while riders of horses favour the south . You ’ ll see them from a course that hugs the water but also rises up the dunes in the centre , sending holes scattering down the bumpy slopes to some severely undulating , natural greens . There ’ s no magic design formula ( the members did much of it ), which works in Strandhill ’ s favour because holes like the 5th , 13th and 15th are off the charts for sheer fun and adventure . The smart clubhouse sits at the top , too , showing off much of the course . Appreciate it for what it is … an absolute gem and a quirky one at that .
Ballinrobe
Ballinrobe has received high praise from Padraig Harrington , who described it as “ the finest championship golf course in the West of Ireland ”. It is spread over an old estate of 300 acres with big trees and gentle changes in elevation . There ’ s an old stone wall or two , ponds and lakes ( but not too many ), swathes of gorse and one good hole after another . It has an easy flow . A par 73 , with five par fives , it measures 6,144 metres ( middle tees ). Finding the right fairway position on the doglegs is the main challenge . Big trees stay back … although sadly the weeping ash completely blocking the 18th green has now gone .
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