Swing into actionThe west of Ireland has some of the most spectacular courses, writes Austin GarvinTHREE short years ago Ireland was voted the Best Value Destination in the world for golf. One could easily – and justifiably – narrow that evaluation down and say the west of Ireland is the best.
By and large, the product we have here in the west is undervalued. In the past, the Americans flew into Shannon and tended to favour courses in the south of Ireland, particularly such links courses as Tralee, Lahinch, Ballybunion, Waterville and Doonbeg, together with the parkland courses in Killarney.
Without question, the above are all wonderful courses and are recognised as such all over the world, but one can argue that there are courses here in the west that are equally as good; they are certainly far less expensive to play, less congested, easier to get to, and in most cases don’t have to be booked well in advance.
Statistics show that the American traffic has, to a large extent, dried up because of overpricing; one has to add this hasn’t been the case here in the west. Carne, for instance, is a perfect example of a well-run course where the American traffic has remained constant. They offer a quality product at the right price, and remain steadfast to the principle of giving good value for money. Their philosophy is – and has always been – keep the customer happy and you will keep them indefinitely.
As Henry Longhurst once wrote, Irish golf has that indefinable something, which makes you relive again the days you played there. The many beautiful golf courses on offer in the west of Ireland will certainly leave lasting memories.
Achill Golf Club
Located at Keel, Achill Island, this scenic links course is noted for its beautiful location. Achill course is of a level and open nature, continuously grazed by sheep (the first green keepers).
White stones mark the fairways. The nine-hole links course overlooks Keel strand with panoramic views of the Minuan Sea Cliffs.
Visitors love this course because it offers true golf as nature intended it to be, and with the wind blowing it poses a tremendous test for any standard of golfer.
The locals are very difficult to beat in the inter-club match-play competitions because they are well used to not only links golf, but playing in windy conditions.
Full GUI membership is available. Societies welcome (special rates upon request).
Ballaghaderreen Golf ClubThis is a lovely parkland course with alternate tees, in tranquil setting amongst tree-lined fairways, providing an old world-type challenge over a flat, but nevertheless testing, terrain. It’s a course that is suitable for all, from the modest beginner to the accomplished player.
A trip to the rough can quite easily cost a shot. The 5th hole in particular requires great accuracy to a small green, well protected with bunkers.
The club is constantly improving the course and has spent a lot of money in recent years on draining fairways and on general improvements. The trees, which are maturing quickly, are a great asset, both visually and coming into play.
Ballina Golf ClubA fine 18-hole course that is flat with fairways guarded by plantations. The course is constantly being improved, with a magnificent new clubhouse only recently opened.
The course offers stunning views of the magnificent local scenery. The locals are very welcoming to visitors and societies alike. Ballina is noted for undulating greens that test the very best putters to the limit of their ability.
Ballina is well worth a visit for a round of golf and if one is also interested in fishing what better town to visit?
Ballinrobe Golf ClubCloonacastle Estate, which dates from 1238, became the home of Ballinrobe Golf Club in its centenary year of 1995.
Visitors to the course will quickly realise that the 300-acre estate is an idyllic setting for such a magnificent championship course.
The course was laid-out by well-known course architect Eddie Hackett and the contoured greens, which are 80 per cent sand-based, are playable all year round. The clubhouse has recently been renovated and compares very favourably with any of its size in Ireland.
The playing and practice facilities at Ballinrobe are a joy to behold, making it a must-visit for any level of golfer.
Belmullet Golf Club (Carne Golf Links)What can one say about Carne Golf links that hasn’t been said already? Its recent selection as the 28th best course in the world certainly speaks for itself, and the magnificent Carne links course is a joy to behold.
Ringed by the Atlantic Ocean, Carne provides some of the most stunning views to be found anywhere in the world. One can easily understand why the Americans are totally besotted by the Carne experience.
The course provides splendid sand dunes on ancient commonage, while elevated tees and plateau greens exploit the magnificent backdrops over Blacksod Bay.
The course was voted Number 5 in Ireland by Golf World in January 2000.
Castlebar Golf ClubCastlebar Golf Club was founded in 1910 and the course was designed and built in its current layout by former Walker Cup player and Captain, Peter McEvoy, and his team.
The new layout was opened in 2001. The course has been built to USGA specifications, measuring 6,500 yards, Par 71, with sand-based greens and many features. Castlebar was the recipient of the ‘Best Course in Connacht Award’ in 2004, and is considered to have amongst the best putting surfaces in the west of Ireland.
The Castlebar course is undoubtedly one of the most improved courses in the country. The sanding programme undertaken at Castlebar has paid rich dividends and members, together with visitors, are reaping the rewards.
Claremorris Golf ClubClaremorris Golf Club is an 18-hole parkland course situated in the centre of Connacht and was designed by Irish international and Walker Cup player, Tom Craddock of Malahide. Situated just over a mile from Claremorris town, the course is set on the former estate of Lord Oranmore and Browne.
Claremorris Golf Club has a spectacular layout, measuring 6,131 yards, and has an idyllic setting, with mature oak, ash and elm. Every hole has been crafted with precision, boasting features that will test even the very best of players. The course has recently undergone a big drainage scheme that makes it playable all year round.
Claremorris Golf Club has hosted many provincial finals in its short time as an 18-hole course.
Connemara Golf ClubAt the edge of Europe on the wild Atlantic coast lies a links course to challenge all who play her. The Connemara Championship Golf Links is a great golfing experience. This awesome picturesque 72 par course presents breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, was designed by Eddie Hackett and measures over 7,000 yards.
The back nine has been described as ‘the equal of any in the world’, the 14th and 15th in particular are great holes, with the short but testing 13th demanding accuracy and precision striking. In the year 2000, an additional nine holes were added to make Connemara one of the must-play courses.
“If there was a course like this on the west coast of England it would surely host the British Open,” said Peter Allis, golf writer and BBC commentator.
Mulranny Golf ClubUnquestionably one of the best nine-hole courses in the country, Mulranny is surrounded by beauty in every direction one looks. On a summer’s day with the sun shining is there a nicer place to play golf anywhere? As well as the magnificent scenery, the links course presents a huge challenge to any standard of golfer.
With the wind blowing against one, some of the par fours are hardly reachable. The greens are very good and are unique in many respects as they are guarded with well-looked-after fencing to keep out grazing animals. After all, sheep were the first green keepers when the game was invented!
Mulranny offers great value for money and great golfing.
County Sligo Golf Club (Rosses Point)Situated under the shadow of famous Benbulben, the County Sligo Golf Club, or Rosses Point as it is more popularly known, is one of Ireland’s great championship links.
Home of the West of Ireland Championship, held each year since 1923, it is set among vast sand dunes on the cliffs overlooking three large beaches. Constant winds give an added dimension to its many challenges, not least of which are some of its elevated tees.
A burn meanders through the course and comes into play on a number of holes. The course is a great favourite of Bernhard Langer, who once said: “I went there to play one round and stayed two weeks.”
The magnificent new clubhouse, together with the recent changes to the course, has only added further to its excellence.
Westport Golf ClubWestport Golf Club celebrates its centenary this year and the club has put together a big programme of events to mark the occasion. They have also taken away the joining fee, which means this is a great time to apply for membership.
Westport is rated one of the top courses in Ireland. It is recognised as a prestigious venue and has hosted both the Ladies’ Home Internationals in 1989 and the Irish Amateur Close Championship on four occasions, most recently 2005. The staging of the 2002 Smurfit Irish PGA Championship was a tremendous boost for the club, which is well used to staging major championships.
Set in 260 acres of rolling parkland on the shores of Clew Bay, Westport Golf Club is situated in the shadow of Croagh Patrick amidst some of the most breath-taking scenery imaginable.
The long 15th hole is not one for the faint-hearted with a carry over an inlet of Clew Bay that must be all of 170 yards. Westport Golf Club has a well-earned reputation for its hospitality, warmth and friendliness to visitors.
Balla Golf ClubWhere in Mayo or in the west of Ireland can you enjoy 18 holes of golf for just €15? The answer is at Balla Golf Club. Balla Golf Club is a gem of a course located in the beautiful setting of Balla. Balla is ideal for beginners of all ages who find ‘long golf’ too be exhausting or time-consuming. Par 3 golf at Balla is the ideal answer.
Two players can enjoy 18 holes at Balla Golf Course in just two leisurely hours and then enjoy tea and biscuits in the clubhouse overlooking the 18th green. In Balla Golf Club, golf is played as it should be, as a total leisure activity in a friendly atmosphere where competitiveness takes second place.
Balla Golf Club is renowned for its friendly atmosphere where visitors are always welcome. Definitely worth a visit.
Mayo has some of the most spectacular golf courses – and some of the most welcoming golf clubs – in the world
