The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Kerry and Cork is a golfer’s paradise...
GOLF has spiralled in recent years to become one of the most popular leisure activities and nowhere more so than in Cork and Kerry. With ‘18 hole’ courses incorporating links and parklands, and a plethora of quality ‘9 hole’ courses to choose from, it’s no wonder the south west continues to prosper as a prime destination for golf.
Golf courses vary in terms of membership rules, green fee rates and availability, but one thing they all have in common is stunning scenery with their own character. The combination of 18 and 9 hole courses is more time enough to allow golfers to spend whatever time suits them on a golf outing - be it a day or weekend trip.
Golf tours and outings are also incorporated into much larger social occasions these days that help spread business to every sector as a few drinks and an evening meal are also enjoyed. Accommodation providers equally benefit as a weekend away is usually the norm when planning golf trips.
If you’re a regular golfer then you won’t mind the weather. The advice thinking of golfing in the south west is to dress appropriately as downpours and gales are all part and parcel of the game. Golf purists tend to be a pretty homogenous lot in that they seldom break with the course they regularly play in. Golf outings is a great way to sample the undulations, fairways and greens that are unfamiliar to your game.
Golf societies and members now make it their business to tour as many courses as possible: it’s added fun, a break from the norm and you may even finish up improving your overall game as you’ll be out of your comfort zone, learning to golf more on instinct than familiarity.
Planning golf outings means you must also check out the best rates available. Many courses offer special rates for certain days in the week and at different times in the day. You should also book travel and accommodation well in advance. Local coach hire is the most obvious one here but if you’re planning a tour in peak season you might want to consider booking now, same applies with accommodation. A golf outing is only as good as you make it, so start planning now. There is so much to choose from when golfing in Kerry and Cork.
Golf Courses in Kerry and North Cork Ballybunion Golf Club
A challenging and unique links course, Ballybunion has a world famous reputation for good reason. It overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and attracts visitors from all over Ireland and the world to put their skills to the test in this challenging environment. it has two courses – The Old Course and The Cashen Course. Ballybunion is a private members club that was founded in 1893. It has exceptional facilities and welcomes visitors to visit the location and play a round at one of the world’s best links course. www.ballybuniongolfclub.com
Beaufort Golf Club
This 18 hole parkland course is set amid stunning surrounds a short drive from Killarney on the Ring of Kerry Road. A championship course, Beaufort welcomes visitors and golf societies of all levels to enjoy this magnificent course. The club also has special offers and visitors should plan their trip well in advance. Beaufort has a vibrant membership consisting of ladies and men’s teams, including a junior section. The centre piece of which is the Georgian house built in 1740 by Sir Roland Blennerhassett. Beaufort Golf Course which was officially opened in 1995.
www.beaufortgc.com
Dingle Golf Links
This links course is set amid some stunning landscapes in west Kerry making it a natural and enjoyable choice for any golfer. Each hole presents a unique challenge in the natural undulations of the Dingle Peninsula. Cooperating with rather than against the landscape is the core trait of Dingle Golf Links which is reciprocated by the numbers who mark it down as a fine course. Dingle Golf Links offers competitive rates for visitors and when one factors in what the surrounding landscape has to offer the visitor, it’s worth paying twice for. This course is located on one of the most unspoilt parts of Europe. www.dinglelinks.com
Dooks Golf Club
One of the oldest links courses in Ireland, Dooks Golf Club is a name synonymous with the sport – a challenge that golfers have enjoyed since 1889. Dooks also offer competitive packages for visitors, golf societies and open competitions. This 18 hole course manages to capture the scenic charm of Glenbeigh and like all of Kerry’s courses, gives a great deal more than just a round of golf to the individual. Dooks was founded in 1889 and enjoyed its 125th anniversary in 2014. The club extends an invitation to everybody with an interest in golf and golfing history to come and enjoy the Dooks experience. In 2015, the club won The Irish Mixed Foursomes having also hosted the National Finals. www.dooks.com
Kenmare Golf Club
Founded in 1903, Kenmare Golf Club has a rich history that initially started out as a 9 hole course from humble beginnings. Today it boasts of a stunning 18 hole course that is one of the most popular courses in the county. Information about Kenmare Golf Club’s summer fees is now available and it also welcomes touring golf societies with attractive packages. The course also gives helpful information on how you can ‘stay and play’ in Kenmare which is useful as the accommodation is nearby the course. It’s website also has a very interesting ‘flyover’ view
of all 18 holes. It also runs a popular ‘2 Sisters’ competition every July with more than 72 teams from all over Europe involved. www.kenmaregolfclub.com
Killorglin Golf Club
Although one of Kerry’s newest courses having been founded in 1992, Killorglin Golf Club’s reputation has had a steady incline since the day it first teed off. This very attractive and stylish 18 hole parkland course was designed by Eddie Hackett – descried as one of Irelands foremost golf architects. Some amazing views accompany the players around the course with the majestic McGillicuddy Reeks, while panoramic views of Dingle Bay and the Slieve Mish Mountain range are good reasons why you should experience a round of golf in Killorglin.
Visitors are encouraged to contact the club as they have some very attractive rates on offer. This parklands course comprises some 6435 yards and is Par 72 - Par 36 on both front and back 9. It has a very stylish club house with some amazing views. www.killorglingolf.ie
Killarney Golf & Fishing Club
Located within Killarney National Park, this beautiful destination celebrates its 125-year anniversary this year. Nestled on the shores of beautiful Lough Leane, Killarney Golf Club is within minutes from the town centre and its three courses – Killeen, Mahony’s Point and Lackabane - offer a great experience which caters for the seasoned pro to the leisure player. The choice, style and layout of Killarney Golf Club’s three courses make it a very popular choice with players. The Killeen Course has hosted The Irish Open in the past and it’s a club that is constantly renovating and updating its many features.
It has special offers for visitors and various other golfing initiatives that players will find useful such as a Golf Academy. The club was founded in 1883 with its forty members paying an annual subscription of 10 shillings each. Fees and membership might have jumped a bit since then, but the standard and quality of the course retains its very own niche in Killarney and Kerry when it comes to golf. www.killarneygolfclub.ie
Ring of Kerry Golf
Described by cricket legend, Ian Botham as “one of my favourite courses in Ireland”, Ring of Kerry Golf Course is likely to hit visitors for six too with its majestic surrounds in a beautiful part of the county. Located in Templenoe, the course is offers a wonderful day out with competitive green fees. Its website also has well-presented 3D course flyover. This course is not to be outdone when it comes to scenery and was recommended as ‘leading course’ in Golfers Choice 2016. It is also listed in the Top 50 courses for 2017 by ‘Today’s Golfer’. www.ringofkerrygolf.com
Tralee Golf Club
Described as Arnold’s Palmer’s ‘jewel’ design, Tralee Golf Club has a long and well established reputation in golfing circles for many decades. Just a short drive from the county’s capital in the picturesque surrounds of Barrow and Tralee Bay, this is one golfing destination that everyone heads to when visiting the Kingdom.
This is a classic links course that pits player against a natural environment, the by-product of which is a memorable round of golf. Towering sand dunes and fresh Atlantic breezes is the visitor’s reward when choosing this course and its website has many interesting links to guide the first time visitor.
Tralee Golf Club extends back to 1896 where it was based in Mounthawk. The current course opened in 1984 where it continues to thrive. www.traleegolfclub.com
Mallow Golf Club
Mallow Golf Club is one of the oldest parkland courses in Munster and is steeped in history. It also has long standing reputation as one of the best parkland golf courses in the province. Mallow also extends a warm welcome to visitors as well as its members and the club say that this is reflected in the numbers of return visitors to the club: individual visitors, societies and day outings are all welcome at Mallow Golf Club.
This 18 hole course is described as a testing Par 72 that offers and enjoyable and challenging experience. Mallow Golf Club also provide a practice ground which located close to the clubhouse. These facilities offer ample opportunity for some putting practice, pitching, chipping, and bunker play, while an area is also provided for you to get in some practice with those lengthy drives.
Mallow Golf Club is a place where a welcoming atmosphere and memorable golf outing awaits you. www.mallowgolfclub.net
Kanturk Golf Club
Promoted as a course with ‘something for every kind of golfer’, Kanturk Golf Course welcomes experienced players and new beginners to its attractive 18 hole course. It also offers reasonable green fees for visitors who also get to enjoy the scenic views of Mount Hilary and the beautiful North Cork countryside.
This course prides itself on its warm welcome to non-members assuring them of a memorable days golfing. A popular course for locals and tourists to the area, there’s every reason to give this vibrant course a try this summer. www.kanturkgolf.com
Castleisland Golf Club
Castleisland Golf Club is a new parkland course, built on 200 acres, with modern sandbased greens and tees. This excellent course is built to the highest championship standards, which allows the course to be played throughout the year.
Although a newly developed course, the architect skillfully utilises the mature wooded undulating terrain at his disposal to create a gem of a golf course.
The course has many challenging holes, taking advantage of the varying and unique nature of the site. While elevated and undulating the design has reduced to a minimum any difficulties in walking and playing the course. Castleisland Golf Club is a place where a welcoming atmosphere and an enjoyable golf outing awaits you. www.castleislandgc.com
Ballyheigue Castle Golf Club
Ballyheigue Castle Golf Course in Kerry was opened in 1996. The nine hole golf club in Kerry is situated on mature woodland surrounding the Eighteenth Century castle in Ballyheigue. The course is situated 8 miles from Tralee Golf Club and 10 miles from Ballybunion Golf Club. The castle was built on a phased basis by the Crosbies and subsequently owned by the Leen family, Ballyheigue. Ballyheigue Castle Golf Club is presently open for Full and Country Membership. For more details about playing golf in Kerry please contact us by phone or email. Our golf course is situated on the Wild Atlantic Way coastal drive, so why not take a break from your drive for a game of golf or stop and have some refreshments in our bar. www.ballyheiguecastlegolfclub.com
Castlegregory GC
Castlegregory is a superb links golf course situated between the scenic Lough Gill and Brandon Bay, at Stradbally, near Tralee, Co. Kerry. The magical colours of Mount Brandon act as a magnificent backdrop to this 5876 yard par 68 nine-hole course. The tranquil setting, combined with the excellent use of natural features ensure that Castlegregory provides golfers with an enjoyable but testing challenge. www.castlegregorygolflinks.com