DESTINATIONGOLF . TRAVEL
CONNACHT
Portumna
Galway
Located in Salthill and rising from the waters of Galway Bay , this is a golf club of rich history and tradition . Established in 1895 , the course is drenched in bright gorse and dark pines . Holes start by the sea , with several water features , before you cross under the road and start to play the 14 holes rising and falling across the hillside . The space has been used to full effect , no doubt thanks to its original designer , the great Alister MacKenzie 1926 ), who routed the course into the two loops you play today . There are several tight challenges and tough doglegs , and weaving your way through and around the trees will test you constantly . The greens here are excellent : they are slick and fast and will test the best with their strong shapes .
Portumna
The ancient forest which surrounds Portumna contrasts against the glorious estate of undulating terrain that flows within . This is parkland in every sense of the word , where mature oak , ash and beech trees wander across the landscape as casually as the deer which frequent the fairways . Here the holes all work perfectly together , establishing a lazy rhythm where the gentle changes in elevation are used to maximum effect . The sweetest of these are the par three 5th , which dives down between dark trees , and the par three 18th which plays from high tee to high green . Both promise delicious tee shots . Portumna is a big course that doesn ’ t brag or show off . It has a sublimely effortless beauty to how it presents itself and the natural shaping of the greens is the epitome of this ... so beware some interesting slopes . Exceptional value for money .
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