Castle
Beech Park
This very pretty course lies to the south of the N7. Such is the
density of deciduous trees that Beech Park is more woodland than
parkland. On the more open front nine trees still shadow you every
step of the way. On the back nine the trees close in. Combined with
the water features it makes Beech Park a charming round of golf. It is
short for a par 72 but the trees add scale and give holes individuality.
This is particularly apparent on the club’s ‘Amen Corner’, where the
par five 13th doglegs non-stop around a lake.
Hermitage
Despite being located beside the busy N4, Hermitage Golf Club
remains an oasis of calm. Boasting a distinguished 116 year history
this is classic, mature parkland weaving through dense corridors
of trees. It also promises a heavily undulating landscape as it
rolls and tumbles down to the River Liffey. The biggest change in
elevation is revealed by a walk alongside the clubhouse: the par
three 10th is one of the best and most tempting holes around,
dropping sharply from the clubhouse to a green in front of the
River Liffey. This is also the start of the best run of holes as you
drift inland and find an isolation which belies the club’s suburban
setting. Hermitage is also highly regarded for the quality of its
greens.
Rathfarnham
The newest member of Ireland’s 18-hole club, Rathfarnham
combines a variety of holes thanks to its 116 year evolution, and
a jump from 9 to 14 to 15 to 18 holes. There are dense evergreen
corridors and open hillsides, sweet ponds and lazy doglegs.
Despite these differences this short course has a highly enjoyable
rhythm – one where a driver is more of a hindrance than a help.
Six new holes opened in 2015 (three new, three upgraded), and
water plays a bigger part than ever in the middle of the round
with a number of holes clinging tightly to the ponds. Picking your
favourite hole will prove quite a challenge. Enjoy the views from
the top of the course.
Castle
One of Dublin’s premier parklands, Castle Golf Club is tucked
away in quiet Rathfarnham suburbia. It has a lovely rhythm over
flattish terrain, which is no doubt a testament to the work of the
famous golf architect, Harry Colt. Corridors of evergreens give
a dark air to the course and certainly they can make for tight
driving, with holes curling left or right. It will only take a few
holes to realise that while Castle is a short par 72, it will make
a fool of you if you don’t find the fairways. A class course from
start to finish.
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