Cork Golf Club (Little Island)
South Ireland
Founded in 1888 and located not far from Ireland’s second largest city, Cork Golf Club is another fine layout that has only recently been “discovered” by visiting players. Known locally as “Little Island,” the original layout at Cork was designed by David Brown. It was revised around 1890 by Englishman Tom Dunn, and then totally redesigned in 1927 by Dr. Alister Mackenzie, future co-designer of Augusta National Golf Club. Like the good doctor, Cork is known for its large, undulating putting surfaces. It measures 6,731 yards from the championship markers, and it features several long forced carries from tees. The opening holes are played along the River Lee, and several others wind their way around an ancient limestone quarry.
- Caddies Available: Yes, Junior Caddie (Request in advance through The Golf Travel Group)
- Pull Carts Available: Yes.
- Electric Buggies Available: Yes.
- Practice Facilities: Practice area and putting.
- Dress Code: Appropriate golf attire.
Fota Island
South Ireland
There are 3 courses at Fota Island: The Belvelley, The Barryscourt and The Deerpark, which is the championship course. Receptive greens and strategic bunkering are the main features on The Deerpark course, which has hosted the Irish Open. The Belvelly course includes a new 9-hole layout developed by Jeff Howes and opened n the summer of 2007. The Barryscourt course also incorporates a new nine-hole layout, characterised by gently undulating greens.
- Caddies Available: Yes (Request in advance through The Golf Travel Group)
- Pull Carts Available: Yes
- Electric Buggies Available: Yes
- Practice Facilities: Driving range, short game area and putting green.
- Dress Code: No denims or collarless shirts. Mobile phones are not permitted on the golf course. Soft spikes only.
Old Head Golf Links
South Ireland
Old Head Golf Links is one of the most remarkable developments ever conceived in the history of golf. Situated on a dramatic promontory, it rises hundreds of feet high above the Atlantic Ocean. Designed by a distinguished team, including Ron Kirby and the late Eddie Hackett, the course provides an exhilarating test of golf and concentration for players of all standards, and there is little room for error. This stunning golf course is located on the south coast of Ireland, close to the city of Cork.
- Caddies Available: Yes (Request in advance through The Golf Travel Group)
- Pull Carts Available: No
- Electric Buggies Available: Yes (fore caddy optional with buggy hire)
- Practice Facilities: Driving range, short game area and putting green.
- Dress Code: No denims, collarless shirts or trainers. No metal spikes allowed.