Courtown
K Club (Smurfit)
The K Club Smurfit course opened in 2003. Like its sibling, it
was designed by Arnold Palmer, with the aim of offering a very
different experience to the Ryder Cup course. The Smurfit is a
shapely beast with huge shoulders of earth creating channels to
play through. And water is a frequent visitor especially on the
strong back nine. The cliff and lake that dominate the 7th hole
are an intriguing (man-made) feature… but it is the final six holes
that will tempt you and test you most. The par five 18th requires
at least two excellent shots over water. The course has its own
entrance and impressive clubhouse, and considerable investment
in the past two years has enhanced playing conditions.
Courtown
The sunny south-east is a popular holiday haunt and Courtown
Golf Club certainly blossoms during the summer, but this 80 year
old parkland offers smart and enjoyable golf all year round. The
course roams over lilting, tree-lined terrain with several delicious
drives at fairways below or over crests. From a couple of them
the proximity of the sea is abundantly clear. The trees squeeze in
and out, presenting different challenges, and for every hole where
you have room you’ll find another where accuracy is paramount.
Combined with some short par fours this is why it is so much fun
to play. The greens are good, two of the par fives offer good birdie
opportunities, and the par threes are excellent.
Dunmurry Springs
The Smurfit is a shapely
beast with huge shoulders of
earth creating channels to play
through.
Dunmurry Springs opened in 2005. Holes stretch over a hillside
and down to the clubhouse, where more level terrain is drenched
by water features. It is a lovely mix and the recent re-routing
has kept climbs to a minimum. It is also maturing well with trees
structuring holes and stunning green complexes providing vibrant
targets. Views fall across seven counties from the top of the
course and from here there are some glorious tee shots over the
mountain backdrops. It is not a long course (par 71, 6,068 yards,
white tees) but that doesn’t mean it won’t fool you… you need to
think strategically to score well.
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