Glasson
Coollattin
Arboretum golf, pure and simple. Set in an old estate, Coollattin’s
trees are as varied and colourful – and ever-present – as on
any course you’ll find in Ireland. It is a magical setting and holes
weave through it all to give you the full exhibition. They threaten
constantly off the tee and if you can avoid an errant shot into
the woods you are doing extremely well. The greens and their
surrounds are tricky, no doubt a defence against the fairly short
length of this par 72 course, and there are some deceptive
slopes to fairways which will frustrate even the best. It is pretty
and enchanting but it can also sucker-punch you in a heartbeat.
Coollattin is famous for its 120 yard 5th hole tucked away in a
walled garden.
Dunmurry Springs
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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Glasson
Glasson’s driveway glides above the course’s best holes as they
drift down to the edge of Killenure Bay… and one of the most
stunning par threes in Ireland. To reach the tee you must cross
the lake’s edge via a wooden walkway… before playing a tee
shot over the lake itself. It is all carry. The hotel at the end of
the driveway offers a mighty fine golfing package, too. Indeed,
it is designed very much with golfers in mind. The expansive
golf course was designed by Christy O’Connor Jr and opened in
1993. It sits between Lough Ree and Killenure Bay, and water is
always in view. Glasson’s great strengths come from its swaying
landscape and strong variety of holes, as evidenced by the par
threes and the five par fives.
Headfort (Old)
Headfort’s Old course opened in 1928, stretching elegantly across
the bucolic Headfort Estate. It impressed golfers for years. When
the exceptional New course arrived in 2000, the shorter Old
took a back seat… yet this is pure parkland golf with swathes of
mature trees providing tremendous character to holes. Many
tower over tee boxes and form intimidating backdrops. It is a
charming par 72, with the gentle undulations promising nice
views of the hole and tempting targets off the tee. There are no
climbs and, combined with the rhythm of the trees, golf here is
peaceful and easy. That’s not to say the course itself is easy. Even
though there is no water there are subtle doglegs everywhere
and that means trees will prove a nightmare if you stray offline.
Then there are the small greens which can only be attacked if
you are on the fairways.