The Best 18: Golf in Ireland
We have put together the best visually stunning and challenging 18 holes currently on the GolfBirdie App. So here it is Golf in Ireland best 18.
Why not look through the app and nominate your best 18? Click here.
#1 The opening hole of the Ryder Cup 2006
Hole 1 Par 4 401 yards
#2 Waterville Golf Links Hole 3 Par 4
#3 Old Head Golf Links Hole 4
#4 The Island Golf Club Hole 14
#5 Old Head Hole 17 Par 5 600 Yards
#6 Killarney Golf Club Hole 3
#7 Carne Golf Links Hole 13
#8 The K Club Palmer Course Hole 16
#9 The Island Golf Club Hole 13
#10 Old Head Golf Links Hole 12
#11 Galway Bay Hole 7
#12 Killeen Castle Hole 12
#13 County Sligo Hole 5
#14 Dromoland Castle Hole 18
#15 Castle Rock Hole 16
#16 The K Club Smurfit Course Hole 15
#17 Killarney Hole 1
#18 Old Head Hole 18
The beauty of golf in Ireland
“WOW,” was all Tiger Woods could say as the early morning fog cleared to reveal the 15th tee at The Old Head Golf Links in Kinsale, County Cork He has a point: humpback whales splashing in the swirling waters, swooping seabirds and scampering hares – you’re at one with nature’s immense power on Ireland’s links. Just be sure to keep your eyes on the ball… Someone who will help keep your eyes on the fairways is the caddy. They know the fairways best, save you plenty of shots, and will probably be the best four hours’ conversation you’ll ever have on a golf course!
“I had such a great time in Ireland that I’ve been coming over ever since.”
Of course, it’s not all over after the 18th. The late US Open and US PGA Champion Payne Stewart felt right at home when he visited the 19th hole in Waterville – The Butler Arms Hotel: “We get into the pub and get around a piano,” said Stewart of his post-round routine. “I bring out my harmonica and the next thing you know it’s about 4am!” You see, finishing a round of golf doesn’t mark the end of the day in Ireland. Round here we always carry on to the 19th.
No licence or membership is required to play golf in Ireland. All you have to do is find the courses, book your tee times and turn up – or choose an operator to arrange it all for you.
There are fewer than 200 links golf courses in the world – Ireland has 50 of them.
In Ireland during summer, days are long – it’s light at 6.30am and doesn’t get dark until after 10pm, so you have plenty of playing time.
You won’t need a tuxedo in Ireland, but there are dress codes – smart casual works.
Some of my fondest memories of great golfing holes in the world, include the number four and five holes at Lahinch.
Don’t be afraid to mix things up. Invite a member or two to join your group and have a fun fourball…loser buys drinks at the 19th hole!
Don’t just check out a course’s signature hole – check out its history. In Killeen Castle (former Solheim Cup host), County Meath, for instance, your play was dictated by the fairies. Designer Jack Nicklaus wanted to tuck the 12th green into the left, but it would have meant cutting down a hawthorn tree, considered in Ireland to be a fairy tree… the tree was left intact for fear of bad luck and so a big drive leading to a small green is where the magic now happens
