Carne Hackett Golf Course

Carne Hackett Course Description

Carne begins with a typically quirky links hole. The general direction of the tee shot is plain enough, but exactly what part of the hilltop to aim for is not apparent. The hole is actually a slight dogleg right and a line left of the mound with the high tufty grass is probably best. A well struck short iron favouring the left hand side of the green will leave a good chance for an opening par.

From the moment of arrival, Carne exudes an air of speciality. The splendid scenery, the proximity to the ocean and the visual appeal of the links itself are all-pervading. And the last design by Eddie Hackett is surely his best (and what a big statement that is).

After the excellent par-3 second, Carne heads inland and excellent holes include the 3rd, 5th, 6th, 8th and 9th. The sixth especially requires a long accurate drive before an approach to a dome shaped green with a narrow entrance. This tricky par-4 is rated the hardest hole on the course, and certainly can justify that rating if the wind is from any southerly direction. The 8th green is in a hollow protected by hills and local legend is that fairies used to dwell here - an excuse often used for putts that don't drop.

The back nine begins with a relatively short par-5, though the well sheltered green can cause misjudgement of wind direction and distance. A good score is recommended here before the next challenges of this terrific golf course.

The next four holes are named after the Children of Lir, heroes of an ancient Irish folk story, which suggests that they are buried on Inis Gloire (Island of Daylight), situated just off the coast near the fifteenth green. From here in is where good scores need to be protected.

The view from the 11th tee is one of the best on the course and needs to be absorbed in advance of the concentration required for the tee shot on this dog-legging hole. The green is behind the large hill on the right and there is no reward for attempting to carry it. There is also trouble left and a severe pull can require a long trek up and down the huge sand dunes (and then back again) to play a recovery. The green itself is slightly elevated so precision is required on approach.

The 12th doglegs the other way (left) but this time it is possible to cut the corner - how much depends on your length. For the first timer an iron into the visible landing area might be appropriate as it leaves just a short iron to a green that is perched high. Anything short, right or long will roll way down to the bottom of the hill and bogey does not feel good on such a short hole.

The 13th affords the best views of the ocean and is itself a good par-5 hole that may offer the best chance of a birdie on these closing holes. The next is an absolutely superb par-3, with a large well-protected green that has many slopes and borrows. Take any 2 putt on offer here!

The homeward stretch is equally enthralling and challenging. The 15th is a par-4 that features a narrow entrance to yet another well protected green, the 16th is a short, downhill par-3 with a well protected green. The 17th is perhaps the best par-4 on the course, long and with a challenging approach to an inviting elevated green. The final hole is a par-5, beautiful views from the tee, and superbly natural terrain all the way to the final green.

As with the Children of Lir, Belmullet golf links is set to become a legendary Irish golf course. Of all the fine work that Eddie Hackett produced we are very grateful that he had the chance to complete his final masterpiece.