Wednesday, July 20, 2016

The Grateful Eight... Golf Open Weeks Ireland 2016: Batch 2

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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