Faithlegg Golf Course
Waterford, County Waterford
Faithlegg is set in beautiful parkland on an 18th century estate centred around the extensively restored Faithlegg House. This building dates as far back as 1171 providing the course with a rich historical background. Laid out by renowned Irish designer Patrick Merrigan on the banks of the River Suir, Faithlegg has been routed over rolling terrain with many fairways flanked by mature trees. The course carries Merrigan's familiar stamp of difficulty, undulating greens, water hazards and perfectly placed sand traps. There are some tricky doglegs to be negotiated but perhaps the biggest challenge are the slick greens that are lightning fast in summer.
Faithlegg Course Description
Faithlegg offered Merrigan a perfect canvas to display his artistry and he did it justice, seamlessly working the holes into a wonderful, rolling landscape and allowing the great, mature trees of the historic estate to frame his creations.
With a championship yardage of 6,674 yards, it ensures that all level of golfers are tested while at the same time enjoy the challenge.
In this game, Merrigan’s trademark undulating greens and cleverly placed water hazards add to the difficulty of holes that often offer the inexpert player an easy option from the tee before presenting him with a tougher question on the approach.
The course layout is exemplified by its memorable finishing holes with the 16th, 17th and 18th providing an exhilarating end to a golfing that is proving increasingly attractive to groups from all over Ireland.
"What's so attractive about the golf course is that the three or four handicapper is going to enjoy it as much as the 18 handicapper, which makes it perfect for societies," says Director of Golf, Karl Cullen. "The course is also very forgiving in parts, which means most golfer can get around.
Measuring 6,674 yards from the championship tees and just 6,284 from the whites, strategy rather than distance is the biggest challenge.
The last three holes are truly memorable — a pretty par-3 followed by two stout par-4s — and while the contoured greens can be a challenge, they are smooth and true all year round, adding to the enjoyment.
