DESTINATION GOLF 2024
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 .
Old Head
Bold and dramatic , Old Head is undoubtedly one of the world ’ s greatest golfing experiences . The peninsula south of Kinsale blossoms like a pearl earring , dropping into the Atlantic Ocean . It promises tees and greens perched on 300 foot cliffs , with half of the holes sitting above the raging sea . The bravery required on some shots – the 4th , 12th and 18th , for example , as well as the par-3s – will leave you dizzy . Fairways are sublimely presented , so smooth and immaculate that it feels almost wrong to play shots off them … but this is a bucket list destination so that won ’ t hold you back . And the course is surprisingly generous , assuming you can tear your eyes away from the drama around you .
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 .
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 .
76