Ballyliffin Glashedy Golf Course

Ballyliffin Glashedy Course Description

Many regard the Old Course as 'better' than the newer Glashedy course and this is because, withoubt doubt, Glashedy is a severely punishing golf test that demands you to be on top of your game from start to finish.

It opens with a resounding bang - three mighty par-4s. The first signals that this course requires straighter driving to narrower fairways and that bump and run might not be an option. The elevated green here requires precision of approach or trouble otherwise, especially from the cavernous bunker cut into the hill The 2nd continues in the same vein with out-of-bounds looming on the right and another challenging approach to an even more elevated green. The third continues up the hill to a large sloping green and is one of the most difficult holes on the course.

The par-3 fifth is a gem. Playing downhill to a green that is protected on the right hand side by three wicked looking pot bunkers, club selection is vital. The 7th is also a par-3 and, like the 5th and 17th holes on the old course, the subject of much conversation. The tee is elevated, overlooking most of the Ballyliffin terrain. The drop to the green, nearly 200 yards away with a lake to the right, is some 120ft below and again committment to club selection and ball striking is of paramount importance.

The back nine are equally fine golf holes. The sequence between the 12th and 16th is particulary noteworthy. The first of these is a fiercely doglegging, long par-4 with a green protected by a sandhill on the right and running off to severe trouble on the left. The par five 13th has been hailed as one of the great 3-shotters in Ireland. Long and straight through a natural corridor between sand dunes, two straight shots are required before approaching another elevated green that falls away dramatically to the left. Another wonderful bunker carved into this fall can be a blessing!

Another wonderful downhill par-3 comes at the next before the long and difficult par-4 fifteenth that requires a mighty drive and accurate approach to find the well guarded green. Playing this stroke index 1 as a par-5 is very good strategy for all but the best.

Although you can't see the 18th green from the tee it's just around the corner. Resist the temptation to take any shortcuts over the massive sand dune - and don't expect too much help from your partners should you stray to its top. Most will be beaten up by now - Swedish professional Kalle Brink took 91 here in the third round of the North West of Ireland championship - but like him (he had a very respectable 70 the next day) you will probably relish the chance for revenge. If not, there is always the 'better' Old Course!