The Bundoran Golf Club in Ireland. (Photo: Bundoran Golf Club)
Bundoran Golf Club, situated in Bundoran, Co Donegal, Ireland, offers a characteristic 18-hole course laid out in two loops. This location provides golfers of all levels the opportunity to test and hone their skills on a course with diverse challenges. The club emphasizes straight shots as a key aspect of playing successfully on this links course.
Bundoran Golf Club: Golfing at the Harry-Vardon-Designed Course in Ireland
The course at Bundoran, designed by Harry Vardon, accommodates golfers of all abilities. Responses highlight the welcoming atmosphere and efforts to meet the needs of all participants. The course’s layout and structure cater to both novice and seasoned golfers, making it an inclusive environment.
Additionally, one of the striking features of Bundoran Golf Club is the panoramic view of the Wild Atlantic Way. This scenic backdrop adds a unique element to the playing experience. The combination of landscape and sea views creates a memorable environment for a round of golf.
Bundoran has positioned itself as golfer-friendly, focusing on providing a welcoming and accommodating atmosphere. The club’s design and management aim to create an engaging and enjoyable experience for every golfer who visits.
In summary, Bundoran Golf Club offers an 18-hole course suitable for all levels of golfers. With a design by Harry Vardon, it emphasizes straight shots and provides a welcoming environment. The course features views of the Wild Atlantic Way, enhancing the overall golfing experience.
Antognolla Golf in Italy. (Photo: Antognolla Golf)
Antognolla Golf is located in San Giovanni del Pantano, Italy, near Perugia. This golf course is notable for its blend of historic charm and modern sustainability, set against the backdrop of a 12th-century castle.
Antognolla Golf: The Best Italian Golf Course of 2020 and 2022
The Antognolla Golf course is highly regarded on an international scale, having received accolades such as Best Italian Golf Course in 2020 and 2022 by the World Golf Awards. It also holds premier positions on platforms like Worldclass and Leading Courses. The course is home to the first branded residences and resort in the region, managed by Six Senses, which emphasizes both its historical allure and commitment to sustainability. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the course offers a challenging layout that attracts discerning golfers.
Antognolla Golf is noted for its integration of GEO-certified sustainability practices and state-of-the-art course infrastructure. The facilities include a full-length driving range, the latest Puma rental sets, and personalized services aimed at enhancing the player’s experience. The La Boiola restaurant provides traditional Umbrian cuisine, rounding out the luxurious offerings that blend seamlessly with the historic environment. The course features undulating terrain, demanding a versatile playing style, which makes it suitable for golfers of all skill levels.
The 18th hole at Antognolla Golf is particularly memorable, with a water hazard along the right side of the fairway and a bunker on the left. This par 4 requires a tee shot that favors the left side but also demands precise control. The view of the Antognolla Castle, visible throughout the course, serves as a significant distraction. This final hole not only challenges the player’s skills but also their focus, offering a rewarding conclusion to the round.
Flexible pricing options are available, particularly during the low season, accommodating various group sizes and preferences. This ensures that visitors have an exceptional experience on the course. Located in Umbria, Italy’s “green heart,” the region offers a serene escape with rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves. Nearby UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Basilica of San Francesco in Assisi, enrich the experience by blending world-class golfing with historical and cultural exploration.
In summary, Antognolla Golf provides a unique combination of luxurious amenities, challenging play, and a rich historic setting. The course’s sustainability practices and high-quality infrastructure enhance its appeal, making it a top-tier destination for golfers. Visitors can take advantage of flexible pricing and special rates, while also immersing themselves in the tranquil and culturally rich region of Umbria.
A Short Interview with Antognolla Golf
Q: What are you particularly proud of at your golf club?
A: At Antognolla Golf, we are particularly proud of our seamless blend of historic charm and modern sustainability, offering an exceptional golfing experience that surrounds a stunning 12th-century castle. We celebrate our growing international recognition, including Best Italian Golf Course 2020 and 2022 by the World Golf Awards, and premier positions on platforms like Worldclass and Leading Courses. Additionally, we are excited to be home to the first branded residences and resort in the region, managed by Six Senses.
Q: Our golf course is particularly suitable for…
A: Our golf course is particularly suited for discerning golfers who value a challenging and beautifully crafted layout by Robert Trent Jones Jr., seamlessly integrated with a historic setting. Antognolla Golf offers a top-tier experience for players of all levels, featuring GEO-certified sustainability, cutting-edge course infrastructure, and recognition as one of Italy’s finest golf courses. With a full-length driving range, the latest Puma rental sets, personalized services, and premium facilities, along with the charming and traditional La Boiola restaurant offering authentic Umbrian cuisine, Antognolla Golf provides the perfect destination for those seeking both luxury and a truly immersive golfing experience in the heart of Umbria.
Q: What makes your signature hole special?
A: Our signature hole, the 18th, stands out as one of the most memorable and challenging on the course. This par 4 features a strategically placed water hazard along the right side of the fairway and a well-positioned bunker on the left, demanding a precise tee shot that favors the left side but requires excellent control. Adding to the challenge, the breathtaking view of the historic Antognolla Castle serves as both an awe-inspiring backdrop and a beautiful distraction, making it not just a test of skill but also of focus. It’s the perfect finishing hole, offering a rewarding conclusion to the round for those who can navigate its demands.
Q: The quick insider tip for your golf course is?
A: When playing at Antognolla Golf, make sure to bring your full arsenal of clubs—this course demands versatility. With very few flat areas, you’ll be challenged by the undulating terrain on nearly every hole. And don’t be too distracted by the stunning views of the 12th-century castle, which is visible throughout the course. Stay focused, especially on the signature 18th hole, where precision is key to conquering both the water hazard and strategically placed bunkers.
Q: What special offers (green fee bargains, discounted memberships, etc.) or training classes does your golf club offer?
A: Our golf club offers special rates during the low season, with pricing that can be tailored based on group sizes. Whether you’re interested in green fee bargains we provide flexible options to ensure you have an exceptional experience on our course.
Q: Anything you would like to add?
A: Visiting Antognolla means immersing yourself in the hidden gem of Umbria, Italy’s “green heart,” where rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves stretch as far as the eye can see. This serene and authentic region, still largely undiscovered by mass tourism, offers a tranquil escape infused with rich culture and breathtaking natural beauty. With UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Basilica of San Francesco in Assisi nearby, Antognolla provides a unique opportunity to blend world-class golfing with the historical and spiritual richness of this magnificent landscape.
The Cabot Collection invests in Lofoten Links. (Source: Lofoten Links)
The Cabo Collection, renowned for its incomparable portfolio of luxury resort and residential golf destinations, announces a strategic investment in Lofoten Links, built majestically into the rugged, seaside landscape of Norway’s remote Lofoten Islands. This visually stunning property is a natural fit for Cabot, offering an unparalleled blend of alluring landscapes and outstanding golf. Cabot plans to welcome the property into its growing portfolio, extending its international presence to Northern Europe.
Lofoten Links right by the sea. (Source: Lofoten Links)
Lofoten Links: Golfing North of the Arctic Circle
Located above the Arctic Circle, Lofoten Links stands out as the world’s northernmost links-style golf course. Ranked No. 24 in the world by Golf Digest and No. 88 in the world by Golf Magazine, its dramatic scenery and remote coastline provide a breathtaking backdrop for golf enthusiasts. The fabled course is known for its challenging yet rewarding design, featuring 18 holes that are playable under the midnight sun in the summer and the northern lights in the fall.
“We are thrilled to join forces with Lofoten Links, a spectacular property that effortlessly aligns with our vision of delivering world-class golf and experiences across the globe’s most remarkable destinations,” said Ben Cowan-Dewar, CEO and co-founder of The Cabot Collection. “General Manager Frode Hov is a true visionary, and we couldn’t be more excited about the future of this extraordinary site.”
Golfing with auroras in Norway. (Source: Lofoten Links)
Golf Resort Directly on the Ocean
In addition to its celebrated golf course, Lofoten Links offers guests a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the splendor of Norway’s coastline while enjoying unsurpassed service and amenities. The property offers a variety of cozy, Nordic-style lodges designed to complement the striking scenery and a charming onsite restaurant. Lofoten Links presents a myriad of activities for discerning travelers seeking authenticity and adventure, including horseback riding, hiking, and kayaking. Situated on the island’s northern edge and facing directly north towards the Norwegian Sea, the property is perfectly positioned to see the northern lights, one of nature’s most dazzling phenomena.
Cabot’s investment in Lofoten Links comes amidst a period of exciting international expansion plans. The company recently announced Cabot Bordeaux, previously known as Golf Du Médoc Resort, a premier destination for golf and wine enthusiasts located in Bordeaux, France. Additional luxury resorts anchored by world-class golf courses in extraordinary locations include the award-winning Cabot Cape Breton in Nova Scotia, Cabot Saint Lucia in the Caribbean, Cabot Revelstoke in British Columbia, Cabot Citrus Farms in Florida, and Cabot Highlands in Scotland.
Southworth – a Boston-based, privately-held global golf company specialising in the development and management of clubs and residential communities – has unveiled plans for a significant resort expansion to The Village at Machrihanish Dunes in Argyll, Scotland and is actively vetting hospitality investors and operators regarding potential partnerships.
New Links Course Added to Historic Golf Venue
Southworth is honoured and excited to expand Scotland’s most sustainable golf resort, which currently includes the renowned Machrihanish Dunes golf course, an authentic, David McLay Kidd-designed links. Machrihanish Dunes has been dubbed “one of the most natural golf courses in the world” and is proud to be the first-ever GEO-certified golf course in the UK. In addition to the celebrated golf course, the resort includes two historic hotels, lovingly restored to modern hospitality standards, five restaurants and pubs, and eight seaside golf cottages.
The expansion project will add a seaside links course adjacent to Machrihanish Dunes – and is to be developed in the same manner.
Tommy Southworth, President of Southworth, said: “Machrihanish Dunes lies on one of the most unique pieces of land in the world, so it is only fitting that we expand our offerings for all types of visitors to this special corner of Scotland, while being sensitive to the stunning natural landscape. In combination with Machrihanish Dunes and other area links courses, including the acclaimed Machrihanish Golf Club, a world top 100 links designed by Old Tom Morris, the addition of another 18-hole links will help turn the Kintyre Peninsula into the next great golfing destination in Scotland.”
Along with the new golf course, these approvals include an expansive golf training facility and practice facility, 73 additional hotel rooms, and 50 golf cottages, and a myriad of additional amenities. Upon completion, Southworth’s assets within the resort will total more than 200 rooms and seven food and beverage outlets to support the 36 holes of golf along with the surrounding acclaimed courses.
Southworth has sought out these expansion permits with the goal of partnering with a world-class hospitality partner to create a resort destination with broad appeal and generous amenity sets that offer something for everyone and expand interest in this beautiful location. Preliminary discussions are underway.
The new golf course sits, in part, on a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and will be created and maintained using the same sustainable practices in use on the existing course. An unwavering dedication to preserving and enhancing the biodiversity of this special landscape has proven successful at Machrihanish Dunes, as evidenced by the re-emergence and flourishing of a number of wildlife and plant species. The new 18-hole routing will meet Machrihanish Dunes in the linksland along the ocean’s edge and meander its way through the rugged dunescape and into the foothills, creating a unique design that features a mix of awe-inspiring views, dramatic elevation changes and traditional seaside links.
Eleanor Brown, Director of Sustainability with Southworth, said: “Southworth believesit is paramount that we support and protect the communities and environments where we operate, ensuring we keep each club setting spectacular for generations to come. Being stewards of land and community means operating with a sustainability-first mindset from ideation through the execution of any project or initiative. It also means supporting the communities in which we operate, through local hiring and training, philanthropic initiatives and more.”
The project, true to Southworth’s ethos, has included significant input from the local community through regular contact and focus groups. The project aims to not only be respectful to its surroundings but also go a step further by increasing the area of dune vegetation habitat.
To ensure a wealth of species thrive, Southworth will partner with NatureScot on a long-term habitat management plan for the lifetime of the golf course, in keeping with the successful model in place at Machrihanish Dunes.
One of the largest teaching facilities in the UK is planned for the site, with indoor and outdoor practice bays, and a nine-acre short-game area. To complement the golf amenities, a new sports and racquet centre will provide visitors with state-of-the-art tennis, pickleball and football facilities.
The development will also include an approximately 35,000-square-foot clubhouse with a 150-seat restaurant and a large function room that will host up to 250 guests – making it ideal for weddings and corporate events. The clubhouse will also be home to an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, fitness area and spa for members to use at their leisure.
These additions join the historic Ugadale Hotel, which sits just steps from the “Best Starting Hole in Golf” and the Old Tom Morris Pub, and the captivating Royal Hotel, which is located in the heart of Campbelltown and overlooks its impressive harbour, among the components of a resort steeped in history and situated at one of the world’s most beautiful and preserved locations.
Southworth added: “We will ensure the pure and authentic surroundings of Machrihanish remain, while creating a significant boost to the local economy, not only through the creation of hundreds of jobs upon completion, but through utilising the skillsets of a myriad of local companies,” Southworth adds.
“We remain hopelessly in love with Machrihanish Dunes – the place, the people and the golf experience.”
The Golf Santa Ponsa I in Spain. (Photo: Golf Santa Ponsa I)
Golf Santa Ponsa I is situated in Santa Ponsa, within the municipality of Calvià on the Island of Mallorca, Spain. The club lies in the Illes Balears, a popular region known for its attractive landscapes and touristic appeal.
Golf Santa Ponsa I: Wide Fairways For Various Styles of Play
One of the key aspects of Golf Santa Ponsa I is its history of hosting significant tournaments. The course has been the venue for seven European Tour tournaments, which highlights its reputation and standing within the professional golf community. The course is accessible to players of all levels, catering to both amateurs and professionals. Its design includes wide fairways, providing ample space for various styles of play.
The physical characteristics of the course further distinguish it. Golf Santa Ponsa I is noted for its length, making it a challenging proposition for golfers. Notably, the 10th hole stands out as a par 5 stretching 590 meters, making it one of the longest holes in Europe. This particular hole requires strategic play, balancing power and precision to navigate its entirety successfully. The course’s layout is fairly flat, which can be seen as both a challenge and an advantage depending on the golfer’s skills and preferences.
More details, including booking information and specific course features, are available on their official website. For those interested in exploring or visiting, the website provides comprehensive data to assist in planning a visit or a game. The club’s digital presence ensures that potential visitors can easily find the information they need about the course and its offerings.
Kulm Golf Course and Festival da Jazz (Photos jhogg-kulmgolf (left) and Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Immerse Yourself in an Exclusive World
After an impressive journey on the Rhaetian Railway, I reach the town in Graubünden, which stands for exclusivity and luxury like no other, in glorious sunshine. Its image as one of the world’s most glamorous winter sports destinations stems in part from the jet-set events held on the frozen Lake St. Moritz, where polo and cricket tournaments as well as horse races are held.
It has already hosted the Winter Olympics twice. Probably the best knownof all its claims to fame is the Cresta Run ice track, which has hosted the annual ‘Grand National’ since 1885. This is a race with a 35kg sledge called a ’Toboggan’ on which riders plunge headfirst down an ice chute, reaching a top speed of up to 140 kilometres per hour.
Cresta Rider statue and start of the Olympic Bob Run (Photo Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Perhaps equally famous is the Olympic Bob Run, which is the oldest bobsleigh run in the world and the last remaining championship track made of natural ice, which is prepared anew every winter.
Tradition and Style
The Kulm Hotel in the centre of St. Moritz is an icon of the Swiss luxury hotel industry. It is characterised by class, style and elegance. It was founded in 1856 by the visionary hotelier Johannes Badrutt, who brought tourism and winter sports to the town with its opening.
Entrance of Kulm Hotel and view from its terrace (Photos Juergen Linnenbuerger)
It impresses with its extraordinary location high above the lake, its fantastic views and its extravagant and stylish interior.
Extravagant hotel lobby (Photo Juergen Linnenbuerger)
My recently renovated room, of which there are 150 in different categories, is elegant and modern. It features local Suisse Pine elements, as does the inviting bathroom. Upon entering, the cosy smell of fresh wood immediately fills my nose.
Superieur Room with Sea View (Photos Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Five restaurants offer national and international cuisine at the highest level. The Pizzeria offers far more than just delicious round Italian dishes. Peruvian-inspired street food dishes are combined by Lima-born chef Claudia Canessa with modern fusion cuisine in the Amaru restaurant.
Michelin-starred chef Mauro Colagreco inspires in the Kulm Country Club (KCC) just a few metres away. I am spoilt with local dishes on the inviting terrace of the Chesa al Parc golf clubhouse opposite. From here, I have a marvellous view of two church towers, one of which comes very close to the inclination of the tower in Pisa. It is the town’s landmark.
View of the KCC and the leaning church tower (right) (Photos Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Wellness dreams come true in the 2,000 square metre Kulm-Spa St. Moritz. In the 10 x 20 metre indoor pool, I enjoy the magnificent views of the lake and mountains as well as the underwater music. In the spa area, I relax with a signature sports massage, in the steam bath, in various saunas and both in the indoor and outdoor whirlpools.
In summer, most of the hotel’s guests come from Switzerland, the United States, Italy and Germany. In winter, this group is traditionally expanded to include guests from Great Britain, who make up the largest foreign group. Guests from Asia are still in the minority, but visitors from India have already discovered the appeal of the hotel for themselves.
Spectacular Par 3 Course
Golf also has a long tradition in this typical winter sport. The hotel’s own Kulm golf course was founded in 1891 by British travellers, making it the oldest course in Switzerland. It was redesigned by the hotel in 2001. The nine-hole par 3 course, integrated into the marvellous landscape, is just a shot with the driver away from the hotel.
The nine varied holes, some of which are steeply uphill and downhill, are between 80 and 135 metres long. They offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain scenery and Lake St. Moritz. The downhill shots into the greens, which lie deep below the tees, are particularly attractive.
Kulm Golf Course and Lake St. Moritz (Photo Azalea – jhogg-kulmgolf)
This also applies to hole #5, which has to be played almost vertically 120 metres downhill. The green is protected by a small lake on the right and a bunker on the left. It is the most remarkable hole on a par 3 course that I know (see photo on the top of the article).
The Olympic bobsleigh run comes into play on hole #8. But only in the imagination, as it does not exist in summer. In winter, it runs directly in front of the green bunker across the hole and disappears into the depths on its right-hand side.
A very special golf hole (Photo Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Hole #9 is my personal highlight. It is the most difficult one, where the tee shot has to be played 120 metres steeply uphill into the invisible green. Not much was missing for my hole in one and the perfect finish to my round of golf.
Almost a hole in one (Photo Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Use of the practice facilities and playing on the course is free of charge for guests of the Kulm Hotel.
No One is Older
The Samedan golf course of the Engadine Golf Club in the village was founded in 1893. It is the oldest 18-hole course in Switzerland and one of the oldest on Continental Europe. It can be reached from the hotel in St. Moritz in 20 minutes by car.
The first amateur golf tournament was held here in the year it was founded and is still organised annually as the ‘Engadine Amateur Championship’. In 1988, the course was converted into a ‘New Course’ by golf course architect Mario Verdieri from St. Moritz, who also designed the Kulm golf course there. The view from the terrace of the clubhouse across the plain of the Flaz stream to the mountain panorama is impressive.
Imposing view (Photo Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The information boards on the path from the clubhouse to the driving range are interesting. The history of golf in the Engadin is presented on the WALK OF HISTORY. Caddies were common for a long time; boys and girls earned ‘pocket money’ by carrying the bags from a young age at the club.
Information board at the WALK OF HISTORY (Photo Juergen Linnenbuerger)
700 Year Old Larches
In the middle of it all are centuries-old larch trees, their tops battered by storms and lightning. To mark the 125th anniversary in 2018, 125 new trees were planted.
Bridge over the Flaz stream and ancient trees (Photos Juergen Linnenbuerger)
From the yellow tees, the course has a length of 5,919 metres, with a slope rating of 133 and a course rating of 71.7. The corresponding values for the red tees are 5,118 metres, 130 and 72.8. The damp water is not only available as a lateral or frontal obstacle, but in several places ice-cold spring water invites you to fill up your drinks bottles.
It couldn’t be fresher (Photo Juergen Linnenbuerger)
In the early afternoon, the dreaded Maloja wind regularly sets in from the south, which can have a considerable impact on the game. We start early and are lucky to be spared.
After nine holes, we stop off at the ‘Buvette’, a small wooden halfway house on the edge of the forest. Here we fortify ourselves with delicious sausage and cheese specialities and a bottled glacier beer.
I am pleased with the unusual length of my shots, as they fly about 10 % further than usual due to the altitude. The Samedan golf course is situated at an altitude of 1,700 metres, making it the second highest 18-hole course in Switzerland. Only the one in Arosa is higher.
The fairways run level and wide through the flat terrain. The lush green fairways, the bunkers with their white sand and the partly undulating greens are very well maintained.
You can play on the Samedan course from the beginning of May to the end of October whilst the Kulm course opens a month later. If you stay at least two days in certain hotels, you can play unlimited golf on these two courses as well as on the Zuoz-Madulain course, the second course of the Engadine Golf Club, for CHF 255 per person during your entire stay.
The Best Jazz in a Legendary Club
For 17 years now, St. Moritz has been all about jazz in July. Jazz at its finest is offered at twelve different venues over the course of three weeks. It all started in the private Dracula Club, founded by jetsetter Gunter Sachs, which is located right next to the start building of the town’s famous bobsleigh run. Today, the club is run by his son Rolf. The members-only club only opens its doors to the public once a year for this music series. It is the main stage, the heart and soul of the festival.
Entrance to the legendary Dracula Club (Photo Juergen Linnenbuerger)
I am lucky enough to be able to attend one of its few events with only 150 other guests. The jazz fans sit or stand close together in the rustic ambience. The atmosphere in the intimate, relaxed setting is unique. The music of the American artist Dana Winters and her trio, who are so close you can’t help but touch them, is met with thunderous applause from the knowledgeable audience.
Great atmosphere at the Dracula Club (Photo Juergen Linnenbuerger)
After the session, the jazz continues in the Sunny Bar of the Kulm Hotel, which is one of the two organisers and main sponsors of the festival and hosts many of the artists.
Not Only the Altitude is Top
Be it in the hotel, in the restaurants or in the golf clubs: I encounter the highest standards and professional, friendly service everywhere I go. It is often the attention to detail or small touches that particularly impress me. One example is the golfer-specific ‚Bett-Mümpfeli‘ at the Kulm Hotel.
Sweet goodnight greeting at the Kulm Hotel (Photo Juergen Linnenbueger)
The Kilrush Golf Club in Ireland. (Photo: Kilrush Golf Club)
Kilrush Golf Club, located in Kilrush, County Clare, Ireland, stands along the picturesque Wild Atlantic Way. Over its 90 years of history, the club has become an integral part of the local community, offering a golfing experience for players of all ages and abilities. The course has evolved from a nine-hole layout into a mature, gently undulating 18-hole course through the efforts of volunteer members over the past 30 years.
Kilrush Golf Club: €35 Green Fee Year-Round
Kilrush Golf Club proudly offers a challenging round of golf with distinct holes that require careful play. One notable hole is the 168-yard, Par 3, 9th hole, which features a tee shot from an elevated position over water to a green set into a hillside, surrounded by sand and a stream. This hole demands precision with varying club choices depending on wind conditions. Players must keep their balls on the fairway to navigate the course successfully.
The club’s green fee is €35 year-round, including public holidays, and covers entry into weekend competitions for eligible golfers. New members benefit from a discounted rate, receiving a 60% reduction in their first year and a 30% reduction in their second year before paying the full subscription in their third year. Distance membership is also an option for golfers residing more than 60 km from Kilrush. Training courses are available during the summer months for junior golfers and beginner lady golfers, complemented by active senior sections meeting weekly.
Kilrush Golf Club extends a warm welcome to visitors and societies throughout the year, with further details accessible on their website. The club also features an on-site restaurant, managed by Martina Burke and her team, providing a comprehensive menu to ensure guests can enjoy a full day out.
A Short Interview with Kilrush Golf Club
Q: In one sentence: What are you particularly proud of at your golf club?
A: Careful nurturing, planning and planting by our volunteer members over the past 30 years has ensured that the original nine hole course has matured into a gently undulating course with eighteen very distinct holes.
Q: Our golf course is particularly suitable for…
A: …a pleasant but challenging round of golf in beautiful surroundings along the Wild Atlantic Way. The club has been an integral part of the town for over 90 years and has embraced golfers of all ages and abilities. Visitors and Societies are always welcome.
Q: What makes your signature hole special?
A: The 168 yard, Par 3, 9th hole. The tee shot is played from an elevated tee over water to an amphitheater green cut into a hillside. The green which is surrounded by sand and a stream requires an accurate tee shot which can vary from a short iron to a driver depending on the wind conditions.
Q: The quick insider tip for your golf course is?
A: Keep your ball on the fairway.
Q: What special offers (green fee bargains, discounted memberships, etc.) or training classes does your golf club offer?
A: Our green fee of €35 applies on all days, including public holidays. All of our weekend competitions are open to eligible golfers. For visitors, the open competition entry is included in the green fee. New members are offered their first year membership at 60% discount and their second year at 30% discount before paying the full subscription on their third year. Distance membership is available to golfers resident more than 60 km from Kilrush. During the summer months we offer training courses for junior golfers and beginner lady golfers. There is a vibrant Senior section of the club with ladies meeting on Tuesdays and men on Wednesdays. Further details can be found on the club website: www.kilrushgolfclub.com
Q: Anything you would like to add?
A: On all days of the year, we can accommodate visitors. Our restaurant is managed by Martina Burke and Staff and offers a full menu.
The Real Club de Golf Sotogrande in Spain. (Photo: Instagram @golfsotogrande)
The Real Club de Golf Sotogrande, located in San Roque, Cádiz, Spain, is a distinguished golf course known for its historic significance and carefully preserved design. This club holds the honor of being the first European course designed by the renowned architect Robert Trent Jones. After an extensive renovation in 2015, the original design was meticulously maintained, ensuring that traditional golf values are upheld.
Real Club de Golf Sotogrande: Harmonious Blend of Historical Significance, Strategic Design and Natural Beauty
The Real Club de Golf Sotogrande features an 18-hole course that caters to players of all types. Among the notable holes on the course, the 7th hole stands out as particularly iconic. This hole is a downhill par 4 with a small green protected by water on the right side. The surrounding cork oak forest adds to the visual appeal, creating a picturesque setting for golfers.
In addition to the course itself, the club is also recognized for its culinary offerings, enhancing the overall experience for members and visitors. The combination of a well-maintained course and exceptional gastronomy contributes to the club’s reputation as one of the most special in Europe. Golfers are advised to strategically navigate the course, always aiming to be on the correct side of the hole to optimize their game.
The Real Club de Golf Sotogrande represents a harmonious blend of historical significance, strategic design, and natural beauty. With its commitment to preserving the traditional values of golf and offering a challenging yet enjoyable experience, it continues to be a prominent destination for golfers from around the world.
A Short Interview with Real Club de Golf Sotogrande
Q: What are you particularly proud of at your golf club?
A: We are proud to have been the first Robert Trent Jones-designed course in Europe and above all to have been able to maintain its original design after a complete renovation in 2015. In our club you can perceive the most traditional values of golf. Our 18-hole course and our great gastronomy make Real Club de Golf Sotogrande one of the most special clubs in Europe.
Q: What makes your signature hole special?
A: Probably our 7th hole is the most iconic of the course, a not very long downhill par 4 with a small green defended by water on the right. Its forested mass of cork oaks provides a beautiful postcard view.
The Waterville House & Golf Links in Ireland. (Photo: Instagram @watervillelinks/@leo.media.creator)
Waterville House & Golf Links is situated in Waterville, County Kerry, Ireland. The course is renowned for its challenging layout and scenic view, attracting golfers from around the world. The location on the scenic coast of the Atlantic Ocean provides a striking backdrop for this esteemed golfing destination.
Waterville House & Golf Links: For Golfers of All Skill Levels
A significant aspect of Waterville House & Golf Links is its Great Links Course. The course is designed to cater to golfers of all skill levels, offering a challenging yet enjoyable experience. It is recommended that golfers use a caddy when playing the course. This ensures familiarity with the terrain and helps navigate the unique challenges presented by the links.
One of the notable features of the Great Links Course is that the tee is positioned at the highest point on the links. This setup allows for a broad overview of the course and its surroundings. The elevated tee also plays a strategic role in game play, requiring precision and careful planning for each shot.
In summary, Waterville House & Golf Links in Waterville, County Kerry, Ireland, offers a celebrated golfing experience with its Great Links Course. The course is designed to challenge and cater to golfers of all levels, and the use of a caddy is recommended for an optimal experience. The elevated tee at the highest point of the links adds a strategic element to the game.
The Athlone Golf Club in Ireland. (Photo: Instagram @athlonegolfclub)
Athlone Golf Club is situated in Athlone, County Roscommon, Ireland. The club is well-known for its championship course that offers a scenic view of Lough Ree. It is highly accessible for groups and societies looking to play at a centrally located top-tier course. Athlone itself is home to a variety of quality hotels that complement the golfing experience for visitors.
Athlone Golf Club Impresses with an Award-Winning Restaurant
The course features many tree-lined fairways that require golfers to stay on the fairways to avoid trouble. Players have multiple options on how to approach each hole, being able to play it safe or take aggressive risks that could lead to danger. Special rates are available for hotel guests, making it a popular choice for golf tourists. Additionally, large groups can benefit from reduced green fees, enhancing the club’s appeal to society and corporate outings.
Athlone Golf Club offers numerous membership categories to suit different needs and preferences. The club’s facilities also include an award-winning restaurant, adding to the overall experience for members and guests. The restaurant is accessible not only to golfers but also to boating guests from the adjacent Hodson Bay marina, making it a versatile dining venue in the area.
In summary, Athlone Golf Club combines a centrally located, challenging championship course with the added convenience of quality nearby hotels. Tree-lined fairways offer different strategies for play, from safe to aggressive approaches. Numerous membership options and special rates for groups and hotel guests make it a versatile club for all visitors. The award-winning restaurant and its accessibility to marina guests further enhance Athlone Golf Club’s attractiveness as a golfing destination in Ireland.
