The toughest thing for golf journeys when travelling is how things get started. That is not an issue when coming to the southwest corner of Ireland.
The toughest thing for golf journeys when travelling is how things get started. That is not an issue when coming to the southwest corner of Ireland. Shannon International Airport allowing a smooth and quick access point facilitating quick access to a number of key golf facilities located nearby. While many will opt for links only type courses it is wise to include a few inland layouts to round out the total experience.
Adare Manor Golf Club
The facility has always had a fine reputation throughout Ireland but when the property was purchased several years ago by J. P. McManus the goals were reset – in a big time way. Adare Manor closed for 18 months and all sorts of improvements were put into motion. The Robert Trent Jones, Sr. design was upgraded through the involvement of Tom Fazio and his lead person on-site Tom Marzolf. The routing and actual holes were kept but a whole series of upgrades were carried out. McManus has made no secret his desire to host the ‘26 Ryder Cup Matches and few doubt he plans a robust effort with that in mind.
The golf is equally complemented by a facility that attains all the elements of a world class resort with the creature comforts put into motion by a dedicated staff where customer service is not a talking point but a clear action item. www.adaremanor.com
Ballybunion – Old Course
Celebrating its 125th anniversary – the Old Course at Ballybunion elicits deep emotions of rapture. The rolling terrain is bolstered by stirring dunes which frame many of the holes and there’s hardly a day when the wind will not impact play off the nearby Atlantic Ocean. Charmingly, the course starts with a cemetery hugging the right side of the hole. The opening series of holes often get little attention but the uphill long par-4 2nd is a gem and the downhill long par-3 3rd will keep your attention.
The strength of the course starts at the long par-4 7th. The combination of holes from that point is simply intoxicating. The long par-4 11th is tour de force hole with its stepdown fairway leading to a green site that is without peer. The Old Course concludes with a series of fine holes and the updating of the 18th hole has been a real plus.
www.ballybuniongolfclub.com
Dooks Golf Club
The appeal of Dooks comes on a few levels. You do not sense much when arriving at the clubhouse since the course is not in plain view. But once you arrive at the 1st tee the majestic elements come to the surface with the views across the Dingle peninsula and the giant dunes of Inch. There are also the Macgillycuddy Mountains with their presence in the nearby distance. Dooks provides a fun links challenge and during my most recent visit the course was playing at a super fast pace with balls bounding about. The opening two holes – both par-4’s – require a deft touch and proper positioning to succeed.
Dooks is blessed with a routing that weaves holes superbly down and back up its hillside. The greens are also quite interesting with the par-3 13th leading the way. Architect Martin Hawtree was called upon again in playing an invaluable role in upgrading the layout. Dooks is the Gaelic word for “sand dunes” and the property clearly shines. With the town of Killarney nearby a visit to Dooks makes for a true doubleheader of enjoyment. www.dooks.com
Killarney Golf & Fishing Club
Kileen and Mahoney’s Point Courses
With 45 holes of golf a visit to Killarney Golf & Fishing Club is one to certainly include. The club has been the host a to number of key events – most prominently the Irish Open on different occasions and Curtis Cup matches. Kileen has been the venue for a number of the major events and the course begins along the shores of Lough Leane before heading inward for the bulk of the round. Among the more noted holes is the devilish par-3 10th with water awaiting the hapless play. The par-4 17th is also grand fun with its dome green repelling all but the most surest of approach shots. The concluding hole brings you back to the clubhouse in grand style.
Mahony’s Point is not as long as Kileen but the beauty of the layout is what adds to its appeal. The concluding trio of holes swings you ever near to the lakeside and makes for a memorable concluding stretch with the closing par-3 the ultimate capper. www.killarneygolfclub.ie
Lahinch Golf Club – Old Course
The inherent qualities of Lahinch benefited considerably with the recent involvement of architect Martin Hawtree. The Old Tom Morris layout has had earlier revisions by Charles Gibson and more importantly by Alister MacKenzie during his visit in 1926. Lahinch is blessed with a wonderful array of land that ebbs and flows throughout the round. The dunes accentuate the range of holes played with the likes of the Klondyke hole at the par-5 4th and the devilish Dell hole at the par-3 5th being just two examples. Lahinch provides a wide array of putting greens and different shapes. The fairways are also fascinating as they have their own movements. Rewards are available for the risky play but the execution must be spot on.
In 2019 the Irish Open comes to Lahinch and will be quite interesting to see how the finest golf professionals handle the splendid links land. At 125+ years – the Old Course is a true gem magnificently enhanced and a must play for the true golf connoisseur. www.lahinchgolf.com.
Tralee Golf Links
Arguably, the finest of all the Arnold Palmer created courses. Tralee is a tale of two nines. The outward half is helped considerably with the likes of such stellar holes as the par-5 2nd and the par-3 3rd. But, the rest of the front side simply motors along without any real follow-ups of note. That changes noticeably with the inward half of holes. The land on the final nine is quite rousing as the dunes landscape plays a powerful role. The only issue deals with the over-the-top danger holes with the likes of the long par-4 12th and the par-3 13th. The former simply requires a nod to reality as anything but a colossal tee time will require a forced lay-up – at no less than 100 yards away. The latter features a narrow green and heaven help the timid soul or one who is too bold.
The concluding holes at Tralee are especially well done – save for the par-5 18th which is bolstered by the belief that overkilling with 13 bunkers secures its stature. Tralee has clear moments you’ll certainly relish – but there are gaps which hold the course back. www.traleegolfclub.com.
Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Doonbeg
After suffering a major storm that obliterated a few of the holes at Doonbeg the future of Doonbeg was clearly at stake. The Greg Norman designed layout was purchased several years ago by Donald Trump – now the 45th President of the United States. Trump pumped in millions of dollars to provide for a luxurious array of buildings and high order amenities for members and guests.
Martin Hawtree was again the architect of choice and his work has helped solidify the quality of the holes. The outward half of holes is a quality mixture but the inland nine is a bit less so. The original par-3 14th was lost during the storms and the replacement is simply a pedestrian hole. The walk from the 17th green to the 18th is also a bit awkward. And the finishing hole – while designed well – faces an uncertain future because of the constant issues of future erosion. Plans have been formulated for a containment wall to be placed but a final decision by local authorities has not provided a green light to do so.
www.trumphotels.com/ireland.