DESTINATIONGOLF . TRAVEL MUNSTER
Favourite Hole
The par four 16th has the best views from the corner of the course , and the tip of the flag is visible in front of old castle walls .
What ’ s in the Bag ?
Accuracy over length , but you can swing away if you prefer . Look out for the castle on the drive in : it was first built in 1210 by The Knights Templar .
Castlemartyr
When Castlemartyr first opened ( 2007 ) it was designed to play like a links . It has that low rhythmic flow and spaciousness that makes links golf so enjoyable , but the wind will be far less of a burden here as you target the generous fairways and silken greens . That ’ s because the boundary of the course is deep woodland . The combination , along with the five star resort , promises elegant and entertaining golf .
The openness of the fairways means your draw or fade will rarely be threatened , so open your shoulders and drive to your heart ’ s content . But , a word of warning , the bumps and ridges bordering fairways are home to deep rough and are not to be trifled with . A small creek also runs across several holes and must be avoided , especially on the front nine ( 2 , 4 , 7 , 8 , 9 )… and the enigmatic par-5 11th .
Castlemartyr is smartly routed around the resort ’ s magnificent hotel , including the luxurious Manor House which dates back to the 17th century and is now home to Terre , a Michelin starred restaurant .
Investment in the course continues : greenside bunkers have recently been upgraded , with the new style favouring a pot-hole design ; swathes of gorse have been removed to open up the course ; and enhancements to fairway drainage are underway .
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