DESTINATIONGOLF . TRAVEL MUNSTER
Monkstown
A fine , mature and peaceful parkland awaits at Monkstown , just south-east of Cork city . Trees define holes from the start and as a short course you ’ ll find those trees prove over-protective time and again . Careful judgement is required off the tee and the best hole on the course – the par four 10th – calls for two razor sharp shots , first through a tricky dogleg in the trees and then to a perched green sitting above water .
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But this is a gentle , embracing affair and its length makes it fun and accessible for everyone . The front nine deliver a steep and unexpected drop down to a green ( the 3rd ) before rising sharply back up ( the 5th ). There ’ s a modern and plush clubhouse , too , but keep an eye on your left as you play the 7th , for this is Monkstown Castle ( 1636 ) which was once the clubhouse . An extensive new short game area has been added alongside an 11-bay driving range , and the course is undergoing a comprehensive rebunkering programme .
Favourite Hole
The par four 10th is beautiful to the eye as it plays over a hollow before doglegging out of sight between the trees .
What ’ s in the Bag ?
If you can ’ t control your driver , leave it in the bag .
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