Golf Digest Middle East have singled out three of the best that Ireland has to offer, in this once in a lifetime golf trip available for you, the eager golfer!

You might already be looking ahead to that European getaway with your golfing buddies to escape the toasty temperatures in the UAE, so how about a golf tour to Ireland in this failsafe unforgettable experience?

Having lived in Galway, on the west coast of Ireland, I can safely say it’s hard to find a bad golf course anywhere on the island or Ireland! The landscapes, world-famous hospitality and quality of golf planned into this trip is a perfect blend of exceptional golfing with wonderful off-the-course-experiences.

We have you covered with the help of dnata Travel.

After landing into Dublin Airport, yes – your flights are covered. You’ll be met by your VIP private transfer who will whisk you 15 minutes up the coast to The Portmarnock Resort, (your base for the three nights) a hidden gem often described as a high quality 4* hotel, with a 5* feel.

RELATED: Ireland is Treasure Island: Golf Digest Middle East visits the jewels of the Emerald Isle

The Jameson Links

Par 71
Tee blue 6,475 yards
Tee white 6,063 yards
Tee green 5,672 yards
Tee red 5,024 yards

Overlooking Dublin Bay and situated along the ‘Velvet Strand’, this is one of Ireland’s most stunning stretches of uninterrupted coastline. A perfect mix of old-world charm combined with modern facilities. This award-winning links course and spa is the perfect coastal retreat for you.

After you have checked in, there’s time for a quick freshen up before your tee time. And don’t worry you only have about 150 yards to walk to the first tee, as you will be playing the recently rebranded Jameson Golf Links on site at the Portmarnock Resort. Perfect!

This 18-hole championship links course has played host to numerous amateur and professional events including the 2008 and 2009 Ladies Irish Open and the 2021 Irish Challenge, won by now DP World Tour player Daan Huizing.

Overlooked by Irelands Eye, the 203-acre site is on the grounds of the old Jameson Estate of St. Marnocks, hence the new name.

This Bernhard Langer designed course has five new green complexes and four new tee areas which ensures a first-class test while also remaining fair and playable for all levels of golfer.

The Jameson Links makes full use of the dunes and natural terrain to provide a layout that will please even the most experienced of links specialists. With an abundance of elevated tees and greens, blind approaches and doglegs, not to mention the typical links Irish sea breeze, it will keep you thinking throughout the round.

You’re likely to be a touch jaded after the excitement of the opening day on the links, so your first evening is left open to your own devices, but who knows, you are only 15 minutes from Dublin City center, a trip into Temple Bar might be on the cards…

The K Club

Par 72
Tee blue 7,350 yards
Tee white 6,815 yards
Tee green 6,240 yards
Tee red 5,131 yards

Rise and shine it’s time for day two. Time for a quick traditional Irish fry-up for breakfast to set you up for the day and it’s an 8am departure for your next round.

Well, this course oozes in history and is ranked in the top three parkland golf courses in the whole of Ireland, remember there are over 400 in the country! This golfer’s haven is a must-play course that has previously hosted the top golfers in the world, any guesses? It’s The K Club Palmer North. 

After your 45-minute VIP transfer, you’ll arrive at the Arnold Palmer-designed treasure. Previously host to the 2006 Ryder Cup where Team Europe claimed an emotional victory over the USA. This stadium-style resort course, measures over 7,300 yards from the tips, and has many TV commentators describe it as the most difficult inland layout in the country as well as one of the best around Dublin.

You don’t have to look far for even more pedigree on the Palmer North, Rory McIlroy claimed the 2016 DP World Tour Shot of the Year here on the 18th hole on his way to the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open and it also has been venue to eleven European Opens which affirms the importance of the Palmer North to European Golf.

If you do decide to play from the tips, good luck! But don’t be fooled by its charm as challenges still do lurk as the mature trees and water features force players to bring out the very best in their game.

RELATED: Ireland is Treasure Island: Golf Digest Middle East visits the jewels of the Emerald Isle

Having survived the Palmer North, hopefully without too many lost balls, it’s time to jump back in your transfer and head back towards Dublin, but we aren’t going straight back to the hotel just quite yet. It’s time for a quick pitstop in the capital to try some of the culture that Ireland has to offer and experience the history, heart and soul of Ireland’s most iconic beer – Guinness.

At the Guinness Storehouse you’ll be able to savour the sights, sounds, tastes, and aromas of Guinness as this experience goes beyond the gates at the home of the world’s most popular stout. The tour finishes at the Gravity Bar which has breathtaking views over Dublin city where you will enjoy a pint and a photo opportunity.

After sampling your well-earned creamy Guinness, its back on the bus for the short journey up to the Portmarnock Resort where once again you have the evening to yourself, remember if you feel a bit peckish there’s three top dining outlets available at the resort.

County Louth Golf Club

Par 72
Tee blue 7,031 yards
Tee white 6,716 yards
Tee green 6,338 yards
Tee red 5,873 yards

Don’t worry, you’ve got yourself a slight lie in on Saturday morning, as your transfer doesn’t leave until 10:30am. This time you are heading north up Ireland’s east coast to Louth and County Louth Golf Club.

Founded in 1892, the course was redesigned in 1938 by architects, Tom Simpson and Molly Gourlay. Now boasting a par 72 course that measures 7,031 yards from the back tees, this championship links is known for providing one of the purest and fairest tests of links golf in the world.

Surrounded by sand dunes and an unforgettable coastline, along with undulating greens and fairways, professional golfer and former Ryder Cup Europe Captain Paul McGinley remarks on his favourite links course in Ireland, “It’s just a great test. All the holes run in different directions, so you have a different exam paper on each hole”.

Known also as ‘Baltray’ this course is of the highest ranked and previous host to the DP World Tour’s Irish Open in 2004 and 2009, on the latter occasion, the club was etched into Irish golfing history when it famously became the venue where 2019 Open Champion Shane Lowry won the Irish Open as an Amateur.

County Louth also holds the East of Ireland championship each year which is considered a “Major” on the elite Irish amateur golf scene.

Upon returning to the Portmarnock Resort the fun-filled weekend doesn’t stop there, we have one more treat for you lined up. The Jameson Experience.

The long association between the Jameson family and Portmarnock Resort began when John Jameson III, moved to St. Marnocks in 1847. Since then, the resort has taken precious care of the history and legacy of the famous family.

You’ll begin this unique experience with a guided tour of the original Jameson family home and grounds including the final resting place of members of the dynasty. Following this, you’ll head into the cosy Jameson Bar to enjoy a stunning three-course meal, curated by the head chef, surrounded by the artwork and historic articles of the Jameson Family.

Then to top off an unforgettable trip, you’ll finish your evening with a tasting of three of the Jameson family’s famous whiskeys.

When you depart from Dublin airport, make sure you have a seat overlooking the ‘Velvet Strand’ and the Portmarnock Resort as you’ll be dreaming of this memorable weekend all the way back to Dubai.

So next time you’re planning to tee off somewhere (that’s a bit more than) special, I think the island of Ireland should be at the top of your list… I just wish I was going!

Itinerary

Thursday, 16 May 2024
Arrive Dublin airport (12:15pm)
Transfer to hotel
Play Jameson Links (3pm)
Free evening

Friday, 17 May 2024
Depart hotel (8am)
Play The K Club, Palmer North (9:30am)
Guinness Storehouse (4pm)
Return transfer to hotel (5:30pm)
Free evening

Saturday, 18 May 2024
Depart hotel (10:30am)
Play Co. Louth (12:20pm)
Return transfer to hotel (6pm)
Jameson Experience at hotel (8pm)
(Dinner + Whiskey tasting)

Sunday, 19 May 2024
Check out and depart hotel (10:30am)
Depart Dublin airport (2:15pm)

Pricing

From AED11,735
3 nights per person
Double occupancy

From AED13,820
3 nights per person
Single occupancy

Note: Price is subject to the exact travel dates, numbers travelling and the final itinerary

WhatsApp 800 DNATA (800 36282) or email sports.leisure@dnata.com to find out more

Images: Supplied by courses

A Week In Ireland
DAY 1: The K Club
DAY 2: Lahinch Golf Club
DAY 3: Dromoland Castle
DAY 4: Mount Juliet Estate
DAY 5: Druids Heath

The post Ireland’s Ancient East Experience appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Rickie Folwer delves deep, with his coach Butch Harmon, into how he found his swing again. Have a big rundown of everything that happened at the DP World Tour Championship where Rory McIlroy and Nicolai Højgaard both came away with silverware. We have prepped the ultimate golfers trip to Ireland, which includes three of the best championship golf courses on the Emerald Isle. If you are looking at getting fitted for a new set of golf clubs, Club Lab Golf in JLT is the newest state-of-the-art facility in Dubai. LIV Golf is landing in Abu Dhabi with some big names lined up and we grab an exclusive ‘Quick 9’ with The Godfather of Dubai Duty Free, Colm McLoughlin.

All this and much, much more in the December 2023 edition of Golf Digest Middle East.

The issue is again free to our loyal audience. You can scroll through the ISSUU link provided here or download to your favourite device for later. Alternatively, pick up a copy at your favourite club. Whatever option you take, we hope you enjoy the read.

The post Get the December 2023 edition of Golf Digest Middle East FREE here today! appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Druids Heath  

Druids Glen, Newtonmountkennedy, Co Wicklow
18 holes, par 71, 7,415 yards
Famous Competitions:
• Irish Open (1996-1999)

Our final outing takes us to the County Wicklow hills, high above the Irish Sea. Buffeted by the wind and looking out towards Wales (on a clear day), Druids Heath offers a 360-degree panorama of the beauty of Ireland’s rugged east coast, including surrounding ranges and the magnificent peak of Sugarloaf Mountain.

Contrasting its more-famous parklands sister course — the magnificent Druids Glen, which is undergoing a major 12-month renovation and aiming for a new look and new chapter by May 2023 — Druids Heath plays much more like a links course in the hills. 

The tree-lined fairways guide your way around this challenging track, while the wind and rain can play just as crucial role in your score as your tee shots on the more exposed holes.

Do not let the beauty of the various flora fool you as this is a course with bite — a trip into the rough in shorts will result in a painful meeting with the thick and jaggy gorse that is as omnipresent as the thick rough. A caddie is recommended for the more curious golfer to point out the various landmarks and historical features Druid’s Heath has to offer as well as the on-course hazards to avoid.

The course was designed by Pat Ruddy and opened in 2003. And it plays long — the 7,415 yards often aided by downhill tee shots and wide, rolling fairways. Again very ‘linksy’. 

Matt Smith

The approaches to most greens require a deft touch as the plentiful, often deep, bunkers will welcome any wayward shots.

While each hole offers its own challenges, there are quite a few that deserve special mention. The 2nd hole is as much a mental test as it is a physical one as the downhill par five will tempt the longer hitters to take on the two lakes that front the small green. 

After the short and very watery 3rd (mind the geese!), you begin to see the true length of Druids Heath and see her teeth. Gorse and as many as nine bunkers await, but an accurate, long drive could pay dividends. The signature 12th is a real up-and-down monster. If you catch the downhill slope you are laughing, but anything left, right or short will have you scrambling. A favourite of Golf Digest Middle East’s trip to Ireland must be the 14th. Set in a picturesque gorge that was once a quarry, this par-3 is a short delight that should help eradicate any nasty memories of what just went before on 12. 

The closing holes take us back uphill to the highest point of the course, where golfers are once again rewarded with that breathtaking view before a well-earned recuperation in the clubhouse. 

The five-star hotel offers fine dining, a relaxing terrace bar and family-friendly activities, including a pool, kids club and 2.3km walking trail.

WHERE TO STAY:

Druids Glen
The onsite five-star hotel is a perfect spot to enjoy a mixture of nature and luxury, while ideally placed to set up camp for exploring the surrounding area and Dublin City itself. druidsglenresort.com

ALSO SEE:

Getty Images

Powerscourt Estate
Just 20km north of Druids Glen is the breathtaking 1,000 Powerscourt Estate (above), home to two majestic golf courses, a distillery and Powerscourt House with its award-winning gardens, which are worth the visit alone. Miles of nature trails around the estate take in the tranquil surroundings such as the 200-year-old giant redwoods and famous waterfall, making this one of Ireland’s top attractions.

Johnnie Fox’s
This not-so-little little hideaway is nestled in the hills on the border between County Wicklow and County Dublin and claims to be — along with many other hostelries up and down the country — ‘the highest pub in Ireland’. Established in 1798, it certainly is one of the oldest and offers traditional Irish fare and live music seven nights a week to give visitors a real taste of the famous Irish hospitality.

A Week In Ireland
DAY 1: The K Club
DAY 2: Lahinch Golf Club
DAY 3: Dromoland Castle
DAY 4: Mount Juliet Estate
DAY 5: Druids Heath

Get your FREE September edition of Golf Digest Middle East here

The post Ireland is Treasure Island: Day 5 — Druids Heath   appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Mount Juliet Estate

Thomastown, Co Kilkenny
18 holes, par 72, 7,264 yards
Famous Competitions:
• Irish Open (1993-95, 2021-22)

Nestled in the quiet countryside of County Kilkenny lies one of the Golden Bear’s golden tickets. 

Set on the grounds of a magnificent Georgian manor and — once again — steeped in history lies Mount Juliet Estate. 

It is hard not to get caught up in the romance of this gorgeous place that was built overlooking the River Nore by the first Earl of Carrick in the 1700s. Mount Juliet has carved its name in Irish lore (with a love story that should to be made into a Hollywood movie at some point, but that’s for another time), and still bears the stamp — and scars — of centuries of Irish history. 

In more recent times, thanks to Jack Nicklaus’ design, this has become one of the hottest tickets in town — well, island — and tee times are in demand all year round. And well they might be as this course is as much a treat on the eyes as it is to play as it has matured since opening three decades ago.

In the heart of the 180-acre estate lies the 7,200-yard course that makes excellent use of the surrounding beech and oak woodlands and rolling hills. While water is sparingly used, the strategic use of five lakes offer a different challenge on holes such as the picturesque short 3rd, the mischievous 11th, and the famously deceptive closing two holes where Adrian Meronk recently his claimed first DP World Tour title at the Irish Open in some style. 

More than 80 bunkers also guard the greens, including the quirky walled 16th, which is almost entirely surrounded by sand.

The overall design embraces the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside and adds up to a tremendous experience — even when playing on a championship set-up as Golf Digest Middle East did the day after the Irish Open at the beginning of July. 

To recuperate, both the Manor House and the adjacent Hunter’s Yard — converted from the estate’s stables — draw on centuries of Irish history while immersing guests in contemporary comforts, beautiful surroundings and Michelin-starred dining. Activities such as archery, falconry and riding are all on hand for the non-golfing visitors, while staff are well-versed in the estate’s history and will happily tell you of the many intriguing tales by the fireside.

WHERE TO STAY:

Mount Juliet Estate
Both the Manor House and Hunter’s Yard residences offer five-star luxury, relaxation and heritage in equal measure. mountjuliet.ie

ALSO SEE:

Kilkenny Medieval Mile
The Old Town of Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile takes visitors through 1,500 years of history, with a little fun along the way. Tales of witch burnings and battles litter the narrow walkways and limestone streets. With nine churches, two cathedrals down from the impressive Kilkenny Castle visitors could spend days discovering the secrets of this old town. Thankfully there are more than 70 pubs along the way for a traditional Irish pit-stop to keep you going.

Dylan Vaughan Photography

Malzards
In the small village of Stoneyford, aptly just a stone’s throw from Mount Juliet, lies a hidden gem in the shape of Malzards (above). This hostelry is much more than your traditional Irish pub — although the ‘craic’ is readily available. Fred Malzard is the current proprietor of the premises that have been in his family for five generations and more than 200 years, bringing together the local community. It now also serves as an informative visitors’ centre, where tourists can learn the local history and cultures — including Irish dancing, folk singing and even have a go at the traditional Irish sport of hurling on the pub’s very own pitch. 

Matt Smith

Waterford Crystal
Just 40kms south of Mount Juliet lies the ancient port of Waterford, which was a Viking settlement as far back as the early 10th century, and it is home to one of Ireland’s most famous and prestigious exports — Waterford Crystal (above). A visit to House of Waterford offers an insight into the creation of some of the most sought-after crystal in the world. Guided factory tours allow visitors to witness the master craftsmen up close as they mould, blow, mark, cut and polish some of the most exquisite items which have been created here for 235 years, including some of the most famous sporting trophies, replicas of which can be seen in the retail store alongside a variety of glasses and keepsakes — ideal for a souvenir.

A Week In Ireland
DAY 1: The K Club
DAY 2: Lahinch Golf Club
DAY 3: Dromoland Castle
DAY 4: Mount Juliet Estate
DAY 5: Druids Heath

Get your FREE September edition of Golf Digest Middle East here

The post Ireland is Treasure Island series: Day 4 — Mount Juliet Golf Estate appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Dromoland Castle

Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co Clare
18 holes, par 72, 6,824 yards
Famous Competitions:
• White & Mackay Trophy Pro-Am (1991 & 1992)
• Irish PGA Club Professional (2017–2019)
• Women’s Irish Open (2022)

The spectacular parkland setting of Dromoland Castle Golf & Country Club takes us back to the more luxurious side of golf in Ireland. 

Set on the sprawling, leafy Dromoland Castle Estate — all 410 acres of it — rolling hills, giant trees and stunning views await over the relatively short 6,824-yard course. 

Blind tee-shots, cheeky bunker placements and a colossal water feature make this a true test for all golfers, with each hole making players stop and think. Risk-and-reward is once again a major factor ready to make or break a round. 

First opened as a nine-hole course in 1963, Dromoland has undergone major changes over the ensuing decades and is now one of the most in-demand championship courses in Ireland. It held the prestigious Irish PGA Club Professional between 2017 and 2019, the celebrity-studded Whyte & Mackay Pro-Am in the early 1990s, and is currently preparing for the 2022 Women’s Irish Open.

The course has just completed Phase 1 of its most-recent $2 million facelift ahead of the Women’s Open — where the cream of the Ladies European Tour will contend in the $400,000 tournament from September 22-25. Pretty much every bunker has undergone a redesign, there are new or upgraded tee boxes surrounding the lake to take advantage of the views, and the iconic 18th — with its famous old tree guarding the green in the shadow of the castle — has undergone a major redesign to toughen it up and bring the water more into play.

The true character of the course remains, however, and it is a joy to play.

The signature par-3 7th is a hole you would love to play over and over again, with its raised tee high above a postage-stamp green. Try not to be distracted by the views down towards the famous old castle as water looms large on the left and a quirky shamrock-shaped bunker to the right. 

The par-4 9th is another beauty of a hole and will tempt the bigger hitters to go for the green if they can carry the water in front of the flag.

After the turn, the woodland gives way to some more expansive views of the surrounding countryside and the famous River Shannon, and water comes more into play as many holes skirt the large lake at the heart of the course. The River Rine also snakes its way across the closing fairways. 

Club facilities include a practice ground complete with fairways, greens, bunkers, and pitching areas, with professional coaching also available. 

Alongside the relaxed clubhouse, with leisure facilities including gymnasium, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, there is the 16th-century castle itself — now a five-star hotel — and plenty of outdoor activities including fishing and shooting of the clay variety, plus plenty of opportunities for spotting the local wildlife on various nature trails.

WHERE TO STAY:

Dromoland Castle
Simply the epitome of luxurious living while visiting Ireland. dromoland.ie

ALSO SEE:

Dromoland Castle
No round of golf at Dromoland is complete without a visit to the castle itself, which has been welcoming guests since the 16th century. The O’Brien ancestral home is part-luxury hotel, part-history tour with fascinating stories behind each lavishly decorated room, hall and stairway. Dining experiences range from the exquisite Earl of Thomond restaurant, crab claws in The Gallery or afternoon tea by one of the many firesides. 

Clare Abbey
The O’Briens crop up again at the 12-century Clare Abbey (above). On the banks of the River Fergus, just a mile outside Ennis and Clarecastle, Clare Abbey is one of a number of Augustinian houses and was once one of the most important monasteries in the diocese. Folklore suggests the monastic abbey was founded by Donal ‘the Great’ O’Brien, and the extensive remains of the structure are well worth a visit.

A Week In Ireland
DAY 1: The K Club
DAY 2: Lahinch Golf Club
DAY 3: Dromoland Castle
DAY 4: Mount Juliet Estate
DAY 5: Druids Heath

Get your FREE September edition of Golf Digest Middle East here

The post Ireland is Treasure Island series: Day 3 — Dromoland Castle appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Lahinch Golf Club

Lahinch, Co Clare
Old Course: 18 holes, par 72, 6,950 yards
Castle Course: 18 holes, par 69, 5,344 yards
Famous Competitions:
• South of Ireland Championship (1895-2022)
• Irish Open (2019)

A trip to Lahinch is like a ticket back in time to experience how golf was played back in the days of Old Tom Morris. 

The Scottish father of golf himself described this as “fine a natural course as has been my good fortune to play over”.

That alone should give an inkling to the heritage and history here on the Atlantic coast (start swimming in a straight line from Lahinch beach and your next dry land will be in Newfoundland, Canada). Lahinch Old Course is a true links that has been operating for more than 125 years, since Mr Morris himself came over to create it in 1894.

Despite many changes over the years, golfers are immediately immersed in history as they set off up the hill on the first hole, with narrow fairways and thick rough present throughout an undulating opening nine holes, where hiking boots may seem more welcoming than golf spikes if you stray from the strips of fairway. 

Steve Carr Golf

One of the first things you will be warned about if you play next to this exposed fishing village is: “Be prepared.”

With the ‘Wild Atlantic’ as it is known looming, the weather can change in seconds and it is not uncommon to see players arrive back at the clubhouse drenched, wind-beaten and sunburnt in equal measure after 18 holes. 

Aside from the spectacular views, where the famous Cliffs of Moher can be seen from the highest points on a clear day further up the coast, one fabulous and memorable feature is the Lahinch goats, who have helped manicure these grounds for more than a century. (They can also serve as a handy weather warning as they usually make their way towards the clubhouse if things are going to turn more inclement.)

Following the exposed opening holes and their stunning views out across the estuary — including one of the most fabulous hidden par-3s in Ireland — the back nine on this ‘out-and-back’ set-up offers a bit more shelter from the sea and wind. 

This is a true jewel of a links course that offers gem after gem of unique holes to challenge golfers of all levels. Regardless of the weather — remember to prepare for four seasons in one day — this is a must-do golfing experience that will live long in the memory.

WHERE TO STAY:

Old Ground Hotel, Ennis, Co Clare
The four-star Old Ground Hotel is one of the top hotels in Clare in the heart of Ennis Town, offering luxury dining at the Town Hall restaurant and live music and entertainment in the Poet’s Corner bar. oldgroundhotelennis.com

ALSO SEE:

Colm Keating/flickr

Cliffs of Moher
One of Ireland’s favourite tourist attractions, the Cliffs of Moher (above) tower over the County Clare coast, some 700ft at the famous O’Brien’s Tower, offering astounding views across the Atlantic. With 14 kilometres of safe treks of varying difficulty and an interactive visitor centre carved into the hills, the Cliffs have inspired generations of artists and poets and are simply a must-see.

Burren National Park
The Unesco World Heritage site is renowned for its stunning beauty, rugged limestone trails and views over Galway Bay.

A Week In Ireland
DAY 1: The K Club
DAY 2: Lahinch Golf Club
DAY 3: Dromoland Castle
DAY 4: Mount Juliet Estate
DAY 5: Druids Heath

Get your FREE September edition of Golf Digest Middle East here

The post Ireland is Treasure Island series: Day 2 — Lahinch Golf Club appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

By Matt Smith
Ireland — that small spot of green on the westernmost edge of Europe with a rich golfing heritage that has long been at the forefront of the sport.

In terms of producing some of the best players on the planet and also some of the finest courses you could ever hope to play, this is a little island that more than holds its own.

But you have to dig beneath the lush surface to get to the heart of what makes this one of the most popular golfing destinations on the globe. 

Rugged coastal terrain battered by rough seas, dense green forests and mountainous valleys are the result of eons of glacial carvings and Mother Nature’s more extreme architecture.

At first glance, this may seem a foreboding place, but thanks to the combination of the elements, we now have one of the most iconic destinations to play golf in all its forms and on all terrains. 

From the ‘Wild Atlantic’ links to the forested parklands of the interior and the breathtaking courses of the island’s east, Ireland simply has to be seen first-hand to attain any sort of a grasp on what makes it a unique golfing destination. 

Homegrown champions such as Padraig Harrington, Graeme McDowell, Shane Lowry, Darren Clarke, Graeme McDowell, Paul McGinley and Rory McIlroy; global stars Tiger Woods, Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson; A-list celebrities like Samuel L Jackson, Michael Jordan and Will Ferrell: the list of advocates extolling Ireland as the finest place on Earth to play the ancient game is almost endless — and for very good and obvious reasons. 

Ireland currently has more than 400 golf clubs to choose from, with a third of the world’s links and many more championship courses in some of the most spectacular surroundings, which attract more than 240,000 golfing tourists to challenge themselves on the fairways.

Golf Digest Middle East recently visited Ireland to experience five of the best the island has to offer.

Lahinch Golf Club. Steve Carr Golf

TIPS:

• Caddies are a common feature at many of the bigger clubs — and they can be a saviour when it comes to saving par and recovering a ball from the notorious rough and gorse that covers many of
the courses.
• Dress codes are strictly observed, too, with jeans, shorts and trainers a no-no at many places. A collared polo shirt and proper golf shoes will see you right, but check if a jacket and shirt are required for after-round dining.
• The popularity of courses, especially during the summer months when tourism is at its highest can mean tee times could be in demand. Always book your tee times through your operator before you travel to avoid disappointment.
• Golf hire is also readily available if you do not fancy bringing your beloved clubs on your travels amid the current travel and baggage issues at many of Europe’s airports. Check in advance.
• The 19th hole: A staple of any round of golf in Ireland is the warm welcome everyone receives after a round, with drinks, hearty food and the traditional ‘craic’ on offer to warm you up if the notorious weather paid a visit to the course.

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K Club

Straffan, Co Kildare
North Course: 18 holes, par 72, 7,350 yards
South Course: 18 holes, par 72, 7,277 yards
Famous Competitions:
• Ryder Cup (2006)
• Smurfit European Open (1996-2007)
• Irish Open (2016)

Kevin Markham

Our journey begins at the location of one Ireland’s most famous occasions on the global stage — the K Club.

Set in the County Kildare countryside, the K Club is home to two Arnold Palmer-designed courses and regarded as one of Ireland’s most challenging parkland set-ups, whether you are on the 18 holes of the North or South courses.

The more famous North Course was home to the historic 2006 Ryder Cup, one of the most one-sided events in the event’s history and is regarded as one of Palmer’s masterpieces.

From the first tee, you are instantly steeped in the course’s history and tradition as the trees loom large on both sides along with one of its recurring features — and dangers — the water. 

Palmer intentionally re-routed the famous River Liffey through as many holes as possible, with the river snaking through the course and feeding as many as 15 lakes and ponds, while the strategic, sometimes deep bunkers are waiting to snaffle any other wayward drives and approach shots. The large undulating greens offer a little respite by way of a generous target to aim for.

It could be easy to become overawed in such surroundings, but with the spectacular scenery and wildlife to help you take your mind off that last bad shot, this course is surprisingly fair if you choose the tees appropriate to your game and it is well worth the five-star experience. 

David Cannon

Risk-and-reward shots are there to tempt you on most holes and the closing stretch will stay long in the memory, with the 16th and 17 consistently ranked among the best in Ireland, before the approach to the clubhouse to close out your round. 

The South Course opened in 2003 is a very different experience, but is often hailed in its own right as a links-heathland hybrid with narrow corridor fairways and — again —water is a regular feature. The famous par-5 7th hole is a sight to behold.

Away from the golf there are plenty other activities on the 550-acre Straffan Estate alongside the luxury five-star hotel, with fishing (thank you Liffey), clay shooting and horse riding all available, alongside endless nature trails and cycling routes.

WHERE TO STAY:

K Club
Look no further than the K Club itself for the tip-top in accommodation with the full five-star experience in the ancient manor. Old-school hospitality with a touch of class is the order of the day, with facilities including a spa, gymnasium and a splash of elegance with drawing rooms and cocktail bars overlooking the grounds. kclub.ie

ALSO SEE:

St Brigid’s Cathedral
At the heart of the ‘Ancient East’ of Ireland is Kildare’s St Brigid’s Cathedral (below), a fifth-century nunnery that has undergone many renovations, offering visitors a glimpse into the past from 16th-century vaults to ancient architecture and artefacts. The famous 108ft Round Tower affords panoramic views of the surrounding area from the highest point in Kildare.

St Brigid’s Cathedral: Dan MacKin/Flickr

Bog of Allen Nature Centre
An informative destination for all to discover the history behind the fuel that powered Ireland for more than 10,000 years — peat. An eye-opening walk through time, the centre has nature trails, plus interactive and educational features for kids of all ages, whom can discover how these fascinating boglands are being preserved for future generations. Activities include pond dipping, nature crafts, frog and creepy-crawly hunts, bog walk, museum and gardens.

A Week In Ireland
DAY 1: The K Club
DAY 2: Lahinch Golf Club
DAY 3: Dromoland Castle
Still to come: 
Thursday, Sep 8: Mount Juliet Estate, Co Kilkenny
Friday, Sep 9: Druids Heath, Co Wicklow

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All this and much more in the September 2022 edition of Golf Digest Middle East.

The issue is again free to our loyal audience. You can scroll through the ISSUU link provided here or download to your favourite device for later. Alternatively, pick up a copy at your favourite club. Whatever option you take, we hope you enjoy the read.

The post Get the September 2022 edition of Golf Digest Middle East FREE here! appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

By Matt Smith
Ireland has long been famed for its golf courses and Powerscourt in Enniskerry, County Wicklow, has become one of the most popular destinations for residents and tourists alike.

Opened in 1996, Powerscourt features two 18-hole championship courses which pose very different tests while remaining on the right side of challenging for golfers of all levels. Top designer Peter McEvoy created the East Course, which has recently hosted the Irish PGA Championship and the Irish Senior Open. The scenic West Course features views of the Wicklow Hills and Irish Sea to create a “sense of adventure”, according to designer David McLay Kidd.

The club is set in the 1,000-acre world-renowned Powerscourt Estate, a destination with much to offer including the award-winning Powerscourt House & Gardens, nature trails with 200-year-old giant redwoods, wildlife and the world-famous waterfall, meaning there is plenty to do for the non-golfing family members, too. 

The five-star Marriott Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa is situated right next to the clubhouse, so visitors can enjoy an extended break and take in the full beauty of one of Ireland’s top attractions.

Coming up: Be sure to grab a copy of our September edition to find out about our tour of the best courses and sights in Ireland.

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The post QUICKSHOT: Feel the Power at Powerscourt in Ireland appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

The American superstar will join a stellar cast, with nine of the world’s top 10 players already signed up, including Scottie Scheffler, Collin Morikawa, Xander Schauffele, Justin Thomas, Matt Fitzpatrick and Rory McIlroy.

It will be Tiger’s first event since the US PGA championship at the end of May.

The JP McManus Pro-Am organisers also confirmed the withdrawal of Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg at the celebrity event.

“We regret to inform you that Mark Wahlberg is unable to attend the Pro-Am. We look forward to welcoming him back to Adare Manor in the future,” they said in a statement.

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