DESTINATIONGOLF . TRAVEL
LEINSTER
Headfort ( New )
European Club
The European comes with all sorts of accolades – the best modern links course in the world chief among them – and a rich history that whirls around the legend who is Pat Ruddy . The European Club , put simply , is the course that Pat built . Set on the Co . Wicklow coastline , next to Brittas Bay , this is a big , lilting and muscular test of golf . Pat does not design ‘ easy ’ courses ; he makes you work for your par and The European is especially challenging off the tee . Several of the green sites are more forgiving , but only from the fairway … hit offline and the renowned railway-sleepered bunkers will cause you endless headaches .
Headfort New
Headfort has two very different but excellent parkland courses . The New opened in 2001 , spread across a swathe of the old Headfort Estate . It is home to majestic trees , bountiful water features and two islands which are at the heart of the course . Holes fit elegantly into the undulating landscape and , despite its length ( 6,164m middle tees ), every shot is enjoyable . Big ( and straight ) hitters will love it . The par threes are exceptional . The natural water features are , not surprisingly , a constant highlight , appearing in one shape or another on the opening 10 holes , as well as three more . Holes 9 and 10 demand big drives over a lake , so finding land is a victory . Home to the European Challenge Tour in 2023 .
Palmerstown House
The site of a former stud , this is a muscular course built with championship ambitions . It has that grand , glamorous feel , it has space and length , it has a magnificent clubhouse and no expense was spared in its creation . Here , water abounds with 13 holes introducing ponds , lakes and streams . Gentle mounding steers you past pampas grasses , flowerbeds and tall trees , over generous fairways , around the water features and towards big swinging greens . A new island green on the par three 10th has provided a dramatic new signature hole , while exceptional new practice facilities were added in 2022 , including a 20-bay Trackman driving range .
Killeen Castle
No other course can boast such a glorious landscape . Killeen Castle flows over 600 lazy acres , drenched in trees and wrapped around a 12th century castle . How could it not be the idyllic setting for a Jack Nicklaus ‘ Signature ’ course . Here the fairways always appear wide and inviting , which makes this a delicious driving course . Approach shots , however , are where you earn your bragging rights as greens are elaborately shaped … and well bunkered . You ’ ll need a compass to navigate your way between them at times and that can apply to fairways , too . The par five 12th , with its stream cascading across the front of the green , may well be Killeen Castle ’ s signature hole , while the lake squeezed between the 2nd and 17th holes is equal parts beauty and terror . Course conditions are always immaculate and investment is ongoing .
21