Going for Golf

Tralee

On the majestic Atlantic coast there’s no better place to start than Tralee – whether you’re intending to play golf or not.

Arnold Palmer can’t claim responsibility for the glorious beach at Tralee, as featured in David Lean’s Oscar-winning 1970 film Ryan’s Daughter, but he is the man behind the golf course here which was built a decade later. And it’s equally as stunning. This is one of Palmer’s best – and his first in Europe.

The front nine holes are relatively flat, albeit impressive – played as they are partially along a cliff-top – but the back nine are laid out among massive sand dunes. Should you emerge from the dunes unscathed you will be greeted by some of the most glorious scenery available anywhere in the Emerald Isle. And the views may just make up for your scorecard should your iron-play not be up to scratch.

For it’s not just the scenery which will leave you gaping: the par-five second hole, The Cuilin, running along the cliff-top, has a green perilously close to the edge – and you won’t be the first to deposit an approach on the rocks beneath. And the par-four 12th, Bracken, has been described as one of the toughest two-shotters in golf and is regarded as the most difficult hole on the course – quite a claim. At 461 yards a solid drive – which will most likely kick left – will need to be followed by a challenging approach over a yawning chasm on the left to reach the plateau green. Likewise, a carry over a deep, moonscape-like crater is required on Brock’s Hollow, the 159-yard par-three 13th. And maybe that doesn’t do the hole justice. It’s all carry. Over a chasm. In the wind. It’s fantastic.

Often overlooked when Ireland’s best courses are spoken of in revered tones, Tralee should always be part of an itinerary when visiting this part of the country.