nd
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nd landscapes, which drifts lazily
spa at the heart of this plush resort.
owes and opened in 2009. The
hillside and then around it, enjoying
here are several water features
d deep swathes of rough are to
ou up into the forest where the
rent and darker challenge. Holes
with the par five 18th sweeping
d bringing you back to a brand new When you adorn a course with the name of one of the game’s most
legendary figures it will bristle with a certain ageless aura. Today’s
course combines Old Tom Morris with new Pat Ruddy… a new
nine holes designed by Ruddy were opened in 2009. These form
today’s front nine away from the sea. The dunes here are bumpy
and low, allowing Ruddy to create plenty of deception, especially
on green approaches. Old Tom’s classic holes (with plenty of Colt
and a sprinkling of Braid and Vardon) snuggle up to Sheephaven
Bay, behind the resort’s hotel. These are so natural and fluid,
and they use the landscape to perfection. You only have to look
at the greens to appreciate that. And there are even a few old-
school quirks which add to the thrill. The two nines form a pincer
movement around the Sandy Hills course which rises up above the
Old Tom course.
www.rosapanna.ie
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