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OK. We know Scotland is the home of golf. Golf courses in every small town and
all that. Historic links courses built up and down the coastlines. Good good.
But it turns out Ireland is no slouch when it comes to links land. In fact
some of the most picturesque, awe-inspiring courses in the world are in
Ireland. In fact Ireland is home to almost 40% of the world's genuine links
courses.* That means there are more than 50 links courses in Ireland, not to
mention the other 350 or so that are not of the links variety. Rates are
quoted in Euros. (Here is a currency
converter.)
By far the most famous golf course in Ireland is at Ballybunion, in the
Southwest corner of the island, in the county of Kerry. In fact there are two
18s. The Old Course, founded in 1893 is consistently rated among the world's
top 10 courses. Tom Watson (who obviously knows how to get quoted, and is also
the Millenium Captain of the Club) once called it "the best in the world."
(€110) The Cashen Course, built in 1981 among the more dramatic dunes on the
site, is the more difficult of the two, and noteworthy for its small greens
and tight fairways. (€75)
Other well-known links courses in the southwest include Tralee (€130),
designed by Arnold Palmer to be a golf destination (and therefore expensive),
and Lahnich (€110), originally designed by Old Tom Morris (of St. Andrews) and
Alistair Mackenzie whose imprint was also left on Augusta National, Pebble
Beach, and Cypress Point.
Meanwhile, the northwest area of the country is blessed with some outstanding
courses as well. Ten of these courses have come together to form the North and
West Coast Links. At the eastern end of the loop is Royal Portrush just west
of Derry in Northern Ireland. Ranked in the top 20 in the world, and host of
many major tournaments, there are two 18s at Portrush with the Dunluce course
costing €138 a round in 2003.
You'll find another outstanding 36 hole links layout not too far along the
coast at Ballyliffin. Referred to as the "Dornoch of Ireland", green fees
range from €50-€70. Nick Faldo called Ballyliffin "the most natural golf links
I have ever played."
Donegal County, in the extreme northwest corner of the island, is the home of
some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Ireland — including the highest
sea cliffs in Europe. It is also where you will find Donegal in the town of
Murvagh. This is one of Europe's longest 18 hole courses at more than 7200
yards. Built among the impressive coastal dunes, Donegal is another
masterpiece of nature. Green fees are in the €50 range.
Contact the North and West Coast Links and ask them for a copy of their
excellent brochure.
If you're in the Dublin area (on the Irish Sea side of the island), the most
famous course is Portmarnock. First opened in 1894, many golfers rate it as
Ireland's finest links course. Laid out within the curve of the coastline
formed by the Howth peninsula, it offers stunning views of Ireland's Eye and
Lambay Island, rising sharply from deep waters. At €165 - €190 it is also
pretty pricey.
When you're in Northern Ireland you'll want to check out
Royal County Down, located at a relatively remote site 30 miles south of
Belfast in Newcastle. This is a first class course which has been the site of
many major championships, and will host the 2007 Walker Cup. Green fees are
also surprisingly reasonable — €95 on the Championship Links, and €18 on the
much less intimidating Annesley Links.
Royal County Down near Belfast in Northern Ireland ..."This, arguably the
greatest of links courses, is the polar opposite of a typical American golf
experience. It's as different as George Will and Will Smith."
Joel Zuckerman, WorldGolf.com
"It would be advisable to pre-book the more famous Ireland golf courses
especially during the summer months. Based on reviews received by Golfeurope,
golfers rave about many of the lesser known clubs so one should take the time
to visit a selection of these. Indeed the more famous golf clubs sometimes
charge exorbitant green fees and demand pre-booking or impose other explicit
or implicit restrictions. Its golf snobbery, charge a lot and make people feel
privileged to play. Exclusive and expensive are not the same as excellence.
This is rare and not indicative of the Irish. The point being that in Ireland,
you don't have to tolerate this behaviour given the wide choice." —
GolfEurope.com
If any of my Irish golfing friends out there have any
helpful information, I would be very pleased to let our readers know. Just
contact me HERE. |
