DESTINATION GOLF 2024
Blainroe
Woodbrook
Woodbrook boasts a stunning location on the low cliff-tops north of Bray . This is a seaside parkland of easy pace , smooth terrain and explosive greens . Pine trees dominate but it still feels spacious and , when you reach the seaside holes and the views that spaciousness is fully displayed . To the south , Bray Head dominates , while Dalkey Island and Howth hover on the horizon to the north . Two new holes opened in 2023 , between the tramline and the sea . Play in summer when the fescue grasses glow golden and Woodbrook is a blaze of colour .
Royal Curragh
In 2013 , The Curragh uncovered proof that it was the oldest golf club on the island . They used that opportunity to revive their ‘ Royal ’ prefix . It has given a unique club a deservedly higher profile . The free-draining soil means play is possible all year round , although the spring / summer months may prove most attractive when the gorse is in full bloom and the heathland feel is at its best . It is both alluring and a fair warning of the risks of going too far offline . Realistically , that shouldn ’ t happen as there is space to play . There are plenty of changes in elevation and those bumpy , heathland-like fairways and natural greens mean every single shot is an adventure .
Blainroe
This high quality parkland is perched above the sea and falls into distinct halves . The more level holes lie around the clubhouse and play alongside the sea while the more inland holes ( 2 to 8 ) slide across and around a hillside . There are plenty of doglegs here – some subtle , some less so – so golfers need to pay attention as positioning off the tee is crucial . And you ’ ll need to avoid the bunkering which was completely upgraded in 2022 and 2023 . Marc Westenborg has greatly enhanced their strategic value and they better suit the course . The par four 14th is the signature hole - your daunting drive is over the cliffs and ocean .
Knightsbrook
Knightsbrook is the full resort package and one of Ireland ’ s newest parkland additions . The clubhouse is part of a hotel , and they both watch over the 1st hole which slides alongside . It is a Christy O ’ Connor Jr design and it is a muscular beast , measuring 6,600 yards ( par 72 ) from the forward green tees … you ’ ll need to be driving well to take Knightsbrook on . But the doglegs are plentiful and the water features magnetic so length is only one of the requirements Trees are infrequent so you definitely have lots of room to play on an open , mounded landscape , and hitting into such quality greens is always a thrill .
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