It’s that time of year when Ireland’s Golf Challenges and
Classics start being launched for 2014. There are still some to be played in
2013, and the Carlow International Golf Classic starts today (9/9/13), but this
is such a popular and great value way to play Ireland’s golf courses that
getting the message out early makes all the difference. I genuinely believe
that you have to try these Challenges at least once, simply to understand
what’s involved and how much fun they are. There are over a dozen to choose
from and the courses themselves are some of the very best that we’ve got.
 |
| The par three 16th at Waterford GC, green to tee |
The Dunmore East Classic has been running for over 20 years
and it is played over four of five golf courses in County Waterford, with one
course alternating out every year. It’s by no means the oldest event, but with
its hub being the fishing village of Dunmore East ("a beautiful little drinking village with a fishing problem"), overlooking the Waterford Harbour
Estuary and the Hook Peninsula, it is one of the most focused. The village is the
centre of the action, with accommodation and restaurant vouchers included in
the package. It makes the event more of a four-day party and it is certainly
one of our most sociable golf gatherings.
2014 (27 April – 1 May)
Entry for 2014 is open. The package of five nights’
accommodation with four dinners
and the four rounds of golf costs €399. The first night’s accommodation is
free.
For full details on how the event and scoring work, as well as how to enter, follow this link.
2013 saw 19 new teams participating, with Irish golfers joined by visitors from the UK, the US, Germany, Canada and South Africa.
 |
| Waterford Castle's 3rd hole. Index 1 |
The Golf Courses
Dunmore East
Dunmore East slips back and forth across fairly open, wind-rattling ground before descending to the signature cliff top holes. Here you’ll encounter a spectacular backdrop with the village and sea below, and shots that require real bravery.
Dunmore East slips back and forth across fairly open, wind-rattling ground before descending to the signature cliff top holes. Here you’ll encounter a spectacular backdrop with the village and sea below, and shots that require real bravery.
Tramore
Tramore is an easy-paced, rhythmic layout that roves through dense trees with lots of variety and shape to holes. Of all the courses it requires the most discipline as trees get a touch too close, but smart golf will reap great rewards.
Tramore is an easy-paced, rhythmic layout that roves through dense trees with lots of variety and shape to holes. Of all the courses it requires the most discipline as trees get a touch too close, but smart golf will reap great rewards.
Waterford
Waterford Golf Club dates back to 1912, and there’s a classic parkland air about it. It is a short par 71 and its easy tree-lined rhythm is a pleasure to play. The back nine takes you slowly up the slopes to the highest point that is the 18th tee. Full Set of Photos Here
Waterford Golf Club dates back to 1912, and there’s a classic parkland air about it. It is a short par 71 and its easy tree-lined rhythm is a pleasure to play. The back nine takes you slowly up the slopes to the highest point that is the 18th tee. Full Set of Photos Here
 |
| The practice green at Waterford Castle |
Waterford Castle
Waterford Castle Golf Club sits on an island, with a four star hotel, and you catch a private ferry to reach it. The course never strays far from the River Suir, and yet there are good changes in elevation to emphasise the pretty setting. The course is not difficult but with big greens you’ll need your putting boots on.
Photos of Tramore and Dunmore East to follow.
No comments:
Post a Comment