Spoilt for choice in Ireland
Although Ireland has many more golf courses than they truly need, they don’t have postcodes. And so even with the help of satellite navigation, finding your way from one glorious course to the next can be as challenging as downing two pints of Guinness in less time than it takes for the froth to settle.
New Forest
New Forest
Telephone:
+353 9221100
Email:
Website:
Courses:
6,851 yards, Par 72
Getting lost in Ireland doesn’t seem to be nearly as aggravating as it is everywhere else. That’s partly because the scenery is so lovely and partly because the prevailing mood is remarkably relaxed and getting angry would be entirely inappropriate behaviour.
Welcoming visitors is a way of life and in an effort to attract more golfers to their rocky shores, 11 top-quality clubs have formed an alliance to demonstrate what the best Irish courses have to offer. Part of the motivation behind Club Choice Ireland is to correct a common misconception that golf in Ireland is expensive. Although it certainly can be if you choose to play the famous ‘trophy’ courses, Club Choice courses are all remarkably inexpensive with green fees ranging from £20-£50. But what are they like?
Visiting all 11 in five days was a tad beyond this ageing hack. Eight out of 11, however, seemed a decent target and so I flew to Dublin and, armed with a set of waterproofs just in case, picked up a satnav-loaded rental car and headed west towards the centre of the country.
My first port of call was the New Forest Golf Resort in Tyrellspass, County Westmeath. The place has a real feel of history about it as it leads you through what was previously a fine country house estate. Predominantly parkland, but heathland in places, the Peter McEvoy-designed course opened in September 2006. Built on sand and consequently rarely even damp, it benefits from plenty of elevation, providing invitingly high tees and splendid views. Despite the name, trees threaten only occasionally, while the streams and ornamental lakes constitute a more significant problem.
