Going for Golf

Killeen Castle - A fitting venue for the Solheim Cup

Killeen Castle

Interest grows every time the biennial event takes place and it is fitting that it is Ireland to where the moveable feast rolls up next; for the knowledgeable and passionate Irish golfing public was one of the reasons why the 2006 Ryder Cup, played at the K Club, proved so memorable. And in Killeen Castle, Europe’s captain, Alison Nicholas, believes the Solheim Cup has a venue worthy of the occasion.

Nicholas, who played in the event seven times before taking up the role of captain in 2009, said: “It’s a fabulous resort. There are stunning views of the castle with some excellent golf holes, some really good short holes which are bunkered well. But I think the greens are the key – if you don’t get on the right part you’ll struggle to get up and down. Or even two-putt. It’s a very good, challenging golf course. It is always in good condition and will be a great venue for the Solheim Cup.”

The 7,677-yard Jack Nicklaus-designed course spreads over 350 acres and offers some formidable challenges. The longest hole is the par-five second, alongside water of almost archipelago scale, while the four par-threes are spread evenly throughout the round. The fairways are generous and bunkering prolific. Nicklaus was reported to be “delighted” with the final outcome and it’s not hard to see why. But Nicholas does not necessarily believe an American-designed course will give the visitors an advantage.

“Obviously it’s designed by Jack Nicklaus so they probably think it’s an ‘American’ golf course, but we’ll have the fans on our side which will counteract that. At the finish of the Irish Open last year most of the top 10 were Europeans so I was pretty pleased with that.”

Whether or not the Americans – notoriously keen on history when they leave their own shores – will have time to immerse themselves in the provenance of their surroundings or not we do not know. But they should.

The Killeen Castle site dates back centuries with the original structure believed to have been a Norman fortification. The castle – now the site of the planned lavish hotel – underwent many changes from its original build in the 12th century, none more wholesale than the arson attack which left it in a ramshackle state in 1981. Fittingly for such an ancient country estate a hero did ride to the rescue 16 years later in the form of Snowbury Ltd, which purchased the castle and its grounds, with a view to creating what we enjoy today.

Spectators at the event will not just be spoilt for scenery and luxury at Killeen Castle. There will also be plenty to see and do beyond the boundaries of the estate. The timing of the competition coincides with Dublin’s festival season affording a smörgåsbord of artistic and cultural opportunities. The city’s fringe festival, which runs until September 26, offers cutting edge theatre, dance, music and art in venues you won’t discover in your guidebook.

Arthur’s Day is on the opening day of the Solheim Cup and heralds gigs and concerts across the city – St James’s Gate will host 2,000 fans as top acts, including Snow Patrol and Manic Street Preachers, do their thing. And from September 30 until October 10 Dublin puts its own spin on a traditional Oktoberfest, with the best Bavarian traditions of food, beer … and craic. This eclectic mix of hedonism will sate even the most demanding of pleasure-seekers. But for Europe’s captain, the pleasures are a little more sedate.

 “I love visiting Killeen,” added Nicholas. “The clubhouse is superb; they have an outstanding practice area with a Dave Pelz Scoring Game School (the first outside of the USA); and I learned to fly fish there as well. So you could say the Solheim Cup has given me a new hobby.”

But while she may take up her rod on September 26, before that there is the small matter of the Solheim Cup to be decided. And the proud Nicholas can’t wait to see her charges walk out in front of a partisan home crowd.

She said: “Irish golf fans are very passionate as we all know. It will be a fantastic occasion and captaining at home will be very special for me with the home fans – they were great at the K Club for the Ryder Cup. I think it will be an absolutely brilliant experience at Killeen Castle and hopefully it will help the home team, inspire them and lift them in tough times. I’m really looking forward to it.”

You’re in good company Alison. Everybody heading to Killeen Castle looks forward to it.