Love links golf
Having been a member of St. Anne’s for almost 20 years am biased – love Irish golf links. And last week was a rare treat – got to play both Royal Dublin and The Island.
Royal Dublin
Royal Dublin is located within 15 minutes of the city centre – on Dublin Bay. This is a wonderful links – and a great challenge for any golfer. Great clubhouse, practice facilities, catering and pro shop – for starters. And the home of the great Christy O’Connor Snr, R.I.P. for so many years. When you walk out from the clubhouse to the first tee you have an immediate sense of what is ahead. A gentle introductory par 4 – but you straight away have a sense of tight lies, undulating greens, fescue grass, deep bunkers.
People will tell you Royal Dublin suffers from being straight out for 9 and straight back for 9. This is not true. In fact the first par 3 brings you back in the direction of the club house. The second par 3 is at an angle and the ninth plays across the course. And again on the back nine you play both directions. The beauty of the course is that each hole is self contained – almost feels private.
When you see the size of the teeing area at the 11th – you get a sense of how well designed, built and maintained this links is. And you will need to keep some energy for 17 and 18 – what a great finish (18 offering full risk/reward across the garden).
If you have not played Royal Dublin do yourself a favour – and bring your top game.
The Island
This is a stunning links – set in amongst high dunes. Located across on the northside of the Malahide estuary and accessed via road to Donabate. About 15 mins from Dublin Airport. Should be on all golf tourists’ agenda.
From hole one you arethreading the ball through dunes, playing of real links lies and learning about the issues of fast run off areas at most greens.
I have heard some criticism in respect of a limited number of blind shots. I would have none of this – not when balanced with the quality of the links and the test of golf. Take a caddy or do some research beforehand.
And enjoy the 205m, all carry par 3 on the back nine – water and O/B on the right. For our three ball it was a three wood or driver on the day.
This links compares very favourably with all the greats – reminded me of Murvagh (Donegal), Ross’s (Sligo) and Enniscrone in particular.
Make the trip and enjoy. This will test you. And you will be very unlucky if you do not experience o fresh sea breeze, testing your play throughout your round.
