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The ultimate list for the discerning golfer
10 Unheralded Irish
Links Courses
By L. C. Lambrecht
L.C. Lambrecht is one of the most renowned golf course photographers
in the world.
An expert on Irish golf, he has recently published "Emerald
Gems," a stunning
book that captures the rugged beauty of its links.
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Rosapenna (Sandy Links):
Nestled up in the northern peninsulas of Donegal with fine
hotel accommodations, this is a new links with extensive
dune infrastructure and an excellent routing plan by Pat
Ruddy.
Enniscrone:
Set in a quiet little seaside resort along the Sligo coastline
with an array of spectacular dunes. The
course was always well regarded for conditioning. Now it
has several new holes through virgin dunes built under the
guidance of Donald Steele.
Ballyliffin:
A complex of 36 excellent links set in remote Donegal with
tremendous views of the sea and mountains.
The Island:
Located on the outskirts of Dublin overlooking the seaside
suburb of Malahide, the links are quite demanding and offer
the kind of golf for which Ireland is renowned. The par-3
13th along the harbor is particularly beautiful, with Malahide
as its backdrop.
Carne:
Located in County Mayo out on the Belmullet peninsula, one
of the westernmost extremes of Ireland, it is a pure links
designed by the heralded Irish architect Eddie Hackett.
These links will make any golfer a believer in the beauty
of Ireland.
Strandhill:
Located on the southern side of Rosses Point, a little seaside
village sports a links with great par-3s and and snaking
par-4s through ancient dunes. It is a unique setup with
quirky holes and truly beautiful scenery.
Dooks:
Located on the Ring of Kerry in the southwest, between Ballybunion
and Waterville, it is great for those looking for a natural
links off the beaten path. It has several unique features
including a blind finish on No. 18 and a lovely bowl green
on the par-3 13th.
Ardglass:
Just an hour up the road from Royal County Down, the course
is located in a quaint fishing village and boasts spectacular
par-3s along the sea. No. 2 is especially demanding, with
a carry over the sea from a clifftop tee.
Royal Portrush (Valley):
Located on the same dune structures as the renowned Dunluce,
it used to be the ladies’ course. It is now a well
respected challenge in its own right and worthy of a visit
when one is playing the more famous links in the area.
Castlerock: These links are right across the River Bann
from the famed Portstewart Links. They feature many great
holes and afford spectacular views over to the hills of
Donegal. A tough quarry par-3 and a newly designed finish
make Castlerock a fine addition to any itinerary.
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