County Louth Golf Course
Baltray, Co. Louth
County Louth, also known as Baltray, is a premier links course on the east coast of Ireland and for many years was was missed by the majority of travelling golfers. Perhaps as a result of the Irish Opens of 2004 & 2009 this has gradually been rectified as there is no doubt that County Louth belongs in the upper echelons of Irish links courses. Designed in 1938 by Tom Simpson, Baltray has survived with only minor alterations and the natural seaside territory of towering sand hills and dense sand grasses present a strong links challenge in the ever present wind.
County Louth Course Description
Situated on the north bank of the River Boyne as it flows to the sea 4 miles east of Drogheda, Baltray is bounded by the Boyne to the south and the ocean to the east.
The course presents several sturdy par-4's and opens with a 423 yard hole that typifies the links. Light bunkering is all that is required, the primary defences of both wind and rough are sufficient. The greens, noted for their quality, are large and undulating and the subtleties of the borrows are soon apparent.
The quality of the par-3s is remarkable. Ranging between 153 and 169 yards the club selection will depend on the wind but each has a special character that remains in the memory. A score close to par on the four short holes at Baltray is a noteworthy achievement.
The 14th is perhaps the signature hole. A short par-4, driveable for many in the right wind. The tee-shot is sublime, played from an elevated position and requiring a long carry to the fairway.
Although County Louth might not be as well known as the likes of Portmarnock and Royal County Down it is a magnificent links, worthy of equal stature, and should be on every golf itinerary to the east of Ireland.
