The green on Castlemartyr's par three 12th. |
So who got out there over the last two days
and got baked? I was at Rathsallagh to take photographs and I left the club at
9.30am as a man walked down the 1st hole, an umbrella over his head. It was 25
degrees.
The weather over the next couple of weeks
looks to be interchangeable but that shouldn’t stop you from getting out and
enjoying more of Ireland’s Golf Open Weeks. Here are eight events to make you grateful for the beautiful Irish golf courses we have across our island... now pack your clubs in the car and get driving:Arklow Links
An under-appreciated gem with sublimely
shaped, almost lyrical fairways. Beauriful greens. Open Week is 27th July – 6th
August, with entry fees at €25.
Castlemartyr Golf Resort
There are Junior, Intermediate and Minor
Scratch Cups being held over from the 29th to 31st July… and while
it’s not an Open Week event it does give me a chance to show off a recent
photograph of the links-like course in east Cork.
The 10th green at Castlemartyr. |
County Sligo Golf Club
I really, really don’t need to say anything
about this course. It’s a links, it’s an utter peach and it’s one of my
favourites anywhere. Such variety and an adventure on every single hole. Good
luck on 17… one of the toughest holes you’ll play. Open Week runs from 30th
July – 7th August. Entry fees range from €35 to €45.
The stunning 17th hole at County Sligo Golf Club. |
North West
The languid but deceptive North West is celebrating 125 years in 2016,
and this weekend (23&24 July) sees a special anniversary Open event with a prize fund of €1,000 sponsored by Total Golf. Competition entry
is priced at €25 for visitors. Tee times on 074 9361715.
Slieve Russell Golf Club
The languidly paced and pretty Slieve
Russell is holding an Open Week from 24-30 July, at €30pp. It’s a big parkland
and holes 11 to 13 are sensational. You can stay here too – and that’s not a
bad idea.
The par three 11th at Slieve Russell |
Strandhill Golf Club
The magical Strandhill is holding its
Open Week from July 24 to August 1. There are holes here which will blow your
mind. Holes 5, 13 and 15 are sheer adventure.
Sea views from the clubhouse window over Strandhill's 15th green |
Waterford Golf Club
The course was designed by Willie Park
(front nine) and James Braid (the back)… who between them won the Open
Championship seven times. That’s quite some pedigree. Their Open Week runs from
23rd to 31st July. Entry from €10-€20.
Westport Golf Club
There is a big feel to Westport’s back nine
stretched above the ragged Clew Bay coastline and under the powerful gaze of
Croagh Patrick. Drives on 12, 14 and 15 will set your pulse racing. Open Week
runs from 30th July – 6th August. Entry fee is €25… or you can get a four day
pass for €75.
And you'll find plenty more upcoming open events on MyGolfOpens.ie
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