Lahinch Old Golf Course
Lahinch, County Clare
Lahinch is one of Ireland's oldest golf clubs and is one of the best loved by both Irish golfers and visitors alike. The setting is superb, right beside the village of Lahinch adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean. The current golf course was initially created by Alister Mackenzie in 1928 who revised an initial plan that was conceived by Old Tom Morris. More recent changes have made Lahinch even better, primarily with the removal of the old par-3 3rd which has been replaced by another par-3 of 163 yards between the old 8th and 9th holes. For most visitors it is the 4th and 5th holes, still as laid out by Old Tom Morris that provide the most vivid memories.
Lahinch Old Course Description
The 5th hole (formerly the 6th) is one of the most talked about golf holes in the world. Known as "The Dell" this hole, an original from the Old Tom Morris design, is entirely blind. The green is surrounded on all sides by huge sand dunes and is 30 yards in width but not more than 10 yards deep. A white rock is moved as the pin position is changed to indicate the line.
Equally talked about is the previous par-5 4th hole known as "The Klondyke". This hole features a huge bank that runs across the fairway making the second shot entirely blind. Nonetheless all that is required is to carry the crest with a long or medium iron to leave a short pitch to a green that backs up to the main coast road.
The par-4 3rd is possibly the best hole on the course. A long (420 yards) slightly doglegging par-4 the drive must carry a 30ft. dune to high ground from where the green is revealed against the dramtic backdrop of the ocean. The approach is to a green that looks further because of the intervening hollows and depressions that are unmown, while two sentinel dunes guard either flank. There is also a huge bunker unseen to the front left.
The inward half has been considerably strengthened in recent years. The 12th hole runs along the dune bank bordering the estuary of the River Moy and is now a formidable par-5. Both the 15th & 17th holes are bruising par-4's both over 440 yards from the championship tees.
There is no doubt that Lahinch is one of the finest links courses in the world and the setting just outside the seaside village overlooking the ocean makes Lahinch a continued favourite of all visiting golfers.
