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| From the Black tees... close to the edge |
What were they thinking! As if golf in Ireland needed any more drama. But they've never done things in small doses at Old Head of Kinsale Golf Links. Drama is what it's all about and, with the addition of the new par three 13th, all four par threes now cling to the cliffs.
The hole is 168 yards from the back Black tees and 121 yards from the Reds. If anyone finds a baseball cap down in the ocean, it's mine. It was howling a gale and my cap flew off in under a minute of standing on the tee. One of my favourites, too! More photos below.
Oh, and check out the colour of that ocean.
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| Walking up to the tee box |
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| The tee box |
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| The view from green (standing beside 7th green) to tee |
Wow Kevin.
ReplyDeleteYou've just cost me a few quid and a hat to go play it now.
Pat
Hi Kevin. Me and the wife will be in south west Ireland next week and looking to play a couple of courses. Can you recommend any that are good for higher handicap golfers in that area? We are looking at links courses in particular. Of course, we are there to enjoy the scenery as much as anything else, but it would be nice if the golf courses didn't beat us up too much! Many thanks. Dave
ReplyDeleteDave, most links are a challenge for any handicapper. Depending on which 'south west' area you are in, Waterville and Dooks on the Ring of Kerry are two of the most scenic courses in Ireland. Dooks would be half the price of Waterville. Killarney has two courses, and while not links their two courses are in spectacular settings. Slightly to the north is Tralee, but the back 9 is tough, in the best of conditions. Look at my flickr page and you'll get an idea of what they're like. Enjoy. K
DeleteThanks for the advice Kevin. We had a great trip and had some unbelievable weather. Played four courses: Dingle, Dooks, Waterville and Skellig Bay. I'd say Dooks was the most interesting and challenging, requiring more thought than Waterville, where most holes you are automatically pulling out your driver. Also Waterville, while a very nice course, is overpriced imho (we paid 150 euro). I played Skellig Bay based on your book and very glad I did; great value and a beautiful course. In fact I thought it was the most scenic course we played. Unfortunately a bit marshy after some heavy rain, but a real "hidden gem", sadly probably gets overlooked by many playing Waterville. We shall return - probably head up north next time. Cheers again.
DeleteGood to hear you enjoyed your trip, Dave,
DeleteSkellig Bay was originally designed because the owner thought it would attract the golfers visiting Waterville... but not being a links a lot of Americans just overlook the place. It is a beauty, but it's hit slightly hard times (as have many) and the green fees - once €80 - have dropped substantially, as have the ambitions of the club in general.
Awesome photos Kevin as the Yanks would say!
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteHats off to you Kevin. That par 3 looks amazing. It's a course I've never had the privilege to have played yet. Maybe someday I will.
Is this yours???
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CYalAL6EUlE/TmfT4_MmO7I/AAAAAAAAB6U/Z_JXApbdHdY/s1600/Calif%2B-%2BZoo%2B-%2Bhat%2Bfor%2Bpolar%2Bbear%2Bcub.jpg
Darren
Will the new par 3 13th be in play for 2015?
ReplyDeleteYep - it was in play this year. I take it you're set to visit in 2015?
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