01 June 08

Features

Take the rough with the smooth

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Rosapenna Golf Links

Way up in the north-west corner of Ireland, the hands of the golfing greats have shaped and moulded the links at Rosapenna, one of the oldest courses in the country. The original course was laid out by Old Tom Morris in 1893, and the vaunted English players James Braid and Harry Vardon also had a hand along the way.

More than a century later, there’s a second 18 holes at Rosapenna, the new Sandy Hills Links, which is as inspiring in the 21st century as the old links were in the 19th. Designed by Pat Ruddy, it’s a course of gargantuan proportions that bobs and weaves its way through the mammoth sand dunes. Here you’ll find spectacular elevated tees, clearly visible landing areas and large greens.

In addition to the 36 championship holes, there is a new nine-hole course, a driving range, a 12-hole pitch and putt and a residential golf clinic. All of which make it a great destination for golfers of all levels.

“It’s the most complete golfing facility in the whole north-west,” says 64-year-old Bryan Patterson, Rosapenna’s PGA professional and club maker. “I think as it matures during the next few years, the new Sandy Hills course will become the best test in the region.”
TEL: +353 (0)74 915 5000, WWW.ROSAPENNA.IE.. SANDY HILLS, €85 (OR €75 ONLINE) PER PERSON. OLD TOM MORRIS, €60 (OR €50 ONLINE).

Royal Portrush

As Royal Portrush golf course first comes into view round a curve in Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast road, it’s an unforgettable sight, with green fairways hiding among shaggytopped sand dunes and the great headland of Inishowen contrasting vividly with the low line of the Skerries and the sea beyond.

Established in May 1888 and included in every list of the world’s top-100 golf courses, Portrush has long been regarded as a great test of a golfer’s skill. Had it been more suitable in other respects for staging a modern British Open Championship it would almost certainly have held more than the one it did in 1951, when England’s eccentric Max Faulkner lifted the trophy.

There are plenty of great holes at Portrush, but there is one that will be etched in your memory long after you leave. This is the 210- yard, par-three 14th known as Calamity, whose reputation has travelled far and wide. It calls for an accurate long iron or fairway metal shot that must not go right. To slice or push the ball will earn you an almost sure double bogey, because the links land falls away severely down a steep slope. Don’t be ashamed of taking a four at Calamity – threes are as rare as an unfriendly Irishman.
TEL: +44 (0)28 7082 2311, WWW.ROYALPORTRUSHGOLFCLUB.COM.. WEEKDAYS, £120 (€152) PER PERSON. WEEKENDS, £135 (€171).