For some it might seem a coincidence, for
others simply fortuitous, but Tullamore Golf Club and the world-renowned
Tullamore Dew whiskey distillery are little more than a crisp five wood apart.
Such coincidences are common in Scotland, but in the centre of Ireland it is
far less frequent. Perhaps that is why Irish whiskey, unlike Scottish
whisky, is spelled with an ‘e’. The ‘e’, you see, stands for everything. As such, other distilleries were not required.
This is rich golfing country and it doesn’t get much richer than the course which lies just to the south of Tullamore town and calls Brookfield home.
whisky, is spelled with an ‘e’. The ‘e’, you see, stands for everything. As such, other distilleries were not required.
This is rich golfing country and it doesn’t get much richer than the course which lies just to the south of Tullamore town and calls Brookfield home.
James Braid (1870-1950) was a Scottish
golfer and golf course architect. He won the Open Championship five times
between 1901 and 1910, and he is responsible for designing over 200 courses,
most of which are in Great Britain. His most famous course designs are
Carnoustie, Royal Aberdeen and Gleneagles (Kings), but there are many more.
Views over the 2nd green to the 1st at Tullamore |
An Irish Golf Course Review
The course is known for its intelligent
routing and mature trees, and the doglegs show off both to full effect. Indeed,
the trees give this course its backbone, its protection and so much of its
beauty.
The history of the course dates to 1896,
but the club moved to its current location in 1926. Tullamore Golf Club celebrated its
centenary in 1996 by inviting the golf architect, Patrick Merrigan, to revise certain
elements of the course. Braid’s strategic values and vision were maintained,
but Merrigan introduced three lakes, seven new greens, and new
tees and bunkers. Some 5,000 trees were planted to complement those clusters of
mature oak, beech and chestnut trees that have been growing here, on the Charleville Estate, for over a century.
Approach to the 4th at Tullamore |
A round of golf is highly recommended as
you will find yourself tested in every facet of the game. There are eight
significant doglegs, five of which move left to right, but several others have
enough shape that finding the correct side of the fairway is essential if
greens are to be opened up. It places a premium on accuracy off the tee. There
are fairway bunkers, but it is those around the greens which will cause the
most angst if you are forced to watch your ball heading towards them. One
reason for this is the greens. Beautifully shaped, the putting surfaces are
meticulously maintained but you are unlikely to find many flat putts. And with
some of the slopes, bunker and chip shots can take on whole new dimensions of difficulty.
You’ll want to have a good day with the putter.
I sometimes wonder if greenkeeping staff
hide in the woods with a camera to film the attempts of golfers who have been
too greedy or wayward on the 197 yard 12th, one of the course’s five par threes.
The green is squeezed tightly by two bunkers and you could play back and forth
from one to the other without ever touching the silken putting surface… I know
I did. The best tactic, should you require a tip, is to play short and left. It
is Index 7.
But golfers will have the last laugh for
this is as entertaining a game as you could ask for and the greenkeeping staff must
be rightly proud – as must the members – of what they have in this par 70
course. It may not be hugely long (6,472 yards, back tees) but it satisfies a
golfer’s appetite, whatever their ability.
Tullamore's Best Golf Holes
Golf clubs typically wax lyrical about
their signature hole, but Tullamore have a quandary… for there are several of
such holes. The 5th, 13th, 16th and 18th holes in
particular, provide the visitor with an unforgettable challenge.
Tullamore's par three 12th - a very narrow green entrance. |
For a full set of photographs follow this link: Tullamore Golf Club
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