Powerscourt West Golf Course
Enniskerry, County Wicklow
Designed by David McLay Kidd (of Bandon Dunes fame), the west course at Powerscourt presents a full-on modern day challenge featuring mature trees, lakes and stunning views of the Wicklow Mountains and the Irish Sea. However McLay Kidd wanted to present the challenge without breaking the golfer's spirit - the fairways and greens are more generous than normal although the greens feature substantial undulations.
Powerscourt is just outside the village of Enniskerry, 18 miles south of Dublin. There is a five star hotel on site and both the golf course and hotel are adjacent to Powerscourt House & Gardens.
Powerscourt West Course Description
The West Course at Powerscourt Golf Club, located in County Wicklow, Ireland, is a beautifully designed parkland course that offers a scenic yet challenging round of golf. Opened in 2003 and designed by David McLay Kidd, the architect behind Bandon Dunes, the West Course provides a modern complement to the more traditional East Course at Powerscourt.
Set against the backdrop of the Sugar Loaf Mountain, the course measures 7,024 yards from the back tees, playing to a par 72. It features wide, undulating fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and several water hazards that come into play throughout the round. The layout is more open than the East Course, offering expansive views of the Wicklow countryside, but it still demands precision, particularly on approach shots to its large, multi-tiered greens.
The front nine offers a gentle start before leading into a series of holes that incorporate natural streams and lakes. The back nine increases in difficulty, with elevated greens and well-guarded pin positions testing both course management and shot-making ability.
One of the standout holes is the 16th, a par 4 that plays alongside a water hazard, requiring both accuracy and nerve to set up a good approach. The finishing stretch, particularly the 18th hole, provides a memorable conclusion, with bunkers and water features ensuring a demanding final test.
With its immaculate course conditioning, strategic layout, and breathtaking scenery, the West Course at Powerscourt is a modern Irish parkland classic. While it offers a different challenge than its older counterpart, the East Course, it remains a top choice for golfers visiting Wicklow, combining playability with an unforgettable setting.
