Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links Ireland

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Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links

Course Review

From the Championship Tees the course is 6255 Metres in length and plays at Par 71.

I had the pleasure of playing this great links course in April 2004. Unlike some of my other course reviews this one does not contain the 'Authors Score'! Our round took six and half hours and was interrupted by three majors rain storms. Scores were not calculated passed the six hour as they became too embarrassing and very hard to keep pen and scorecard dry. The pictures to the right reflect the dramatic conditions this course can provide. The conditions only inspired us to finish this great course and did not spoil our day at all.

I hope this course review inspires you to visit!

Hole 1 - Par 4, 320 Metres
The Sensible approach to our opening hole is a fairway wood or long iron played to the left side of fairway so as to land short of the water hazard traversing the fairway. Alternatively if you are feeling cavalier and the wind is on your back the driver may come out of the bag. The Jameson graveyard on the right hand side gives this start a 'Ballybunion' feel.

Hole 2 - Par 4, 329 Metres
Five fairway bunkers (one right in the centre) demand accuracy rather than distance in this hole. The approach shot requires a high floating shot to hold this elevated green.

Hole 3 - Par 3, 178 Metres
An excellent par 3 which is well bunkered on the left, right and the back. The middle of the green is always a good result. Play it high and try and stop it!

Hole 4 - Par 5, 527 Metres
The longest hole on the links means its now time to open your shoulders. The clutches of sand traps on the right of the fairway are to be avoided with second shots at all costs. Shots to the greens usually play longer then you may anticipate. So, take an extra club or two!

Hole 5 - Par 4, 431 Metres
This superb par 4 requires two well struck shots to even reach the green, beware of water hazards that runs all along the right side of fairway.

Hole 6 - Par 5, 486 Meters
A birdie chance for the big hitter. Keep drive left of centre to open up approach to a well guarded green.

Hole 7 -Par 5, 412 Metres
Another testing Par 4 with a water hazard 30 metres short of the green which puts the emphasis on a long, straight drive or you may have to lay up in two.

Hole 8 - Par 4, 374 Metres
The first of the original Jameson Links holes, which Bernhard Langer has incorporated into his design. This true dog leg hole tempts you to have a go, but this option is rarely worth the risk. All approach shots break left to right around the green. A superb hole!

Hole 9 - Par 3, 156 Metres
Another of the Jameson Links holes. This is the only bunker-less hole on the course but that is of no help. Hit the elevated green or you will struggle to make par depending on wind.

Golf Course review by Golf Holidays Abroad.

Hole 10 - Par 5, 484 Metres
Do not miss this fairway left or seven bunkers await you drive. If you manage to avoid the other eight sand traps from there to the green this hole is reasonably straight forward.

Hole 11 - Par 4, 419 Metres
Index one. A long drive, left of centre is crucial if you harbour ambitions of holding this fiercely defended green in regulation. Two putts is always an achievement here (four for me). Best hole so far!

Hole 12 - Par 4, 329 Metres
The ideal tee shot is on the left hand bunker, but there is a generous landing area to the right of the fairway. The approach will be a test of your mettle.

Hole 13 - Par 3, 137 Metres
A very testing short hole. Severity of sand traps makes club selection (A Sand Wedge!) vital. Play it left as the green slopes down towards the flag (Hopefully).

Hole 14 - Pa 4, 317 Metres
Our shortest par 4, however nonetheless tricky. Don't be silly! Don't be brave! Position of the drive essential if a birdie is to be bagged, gorse bushes to the left of green a good line, you will then have the option of high approach shot or traditional bump and run.

Hole 15 - Par 4, 392 Metres
The commencement of what many feel to be amongst the finest closing holes in links golf. It is fitting that this hole I the third and last of the original Jameson layout. A dogleg right, so a drive down the left is required to avoid the cross bunkers. Don't be deceived by dead ground short of green, it is that far! Definitely one of my most favourite holes I have ever played.

Hole 16 - Par 4, 371 Metres
A drive from elevated teeing (Always makes me nervous) ground to the middle of the fairway will leave you requiring a committed shot to a green that slopes from right to left and is well guarded by bunkers for that monster drive.

Hole 17 - Par 3, 185 Metres
A truly testing par 3 requiring a well struck shot to an elevated green club selection can range from a driver to a 7 iron. Scores range between 2 and 10.

Hole 18 - Par 4, 408 Metres
Last but not least our signature hole. The tees are set in the dunes and you are confronted by a tight tee shot that will require steady nerves and a smooth swing. The recommended line is the left hand side of the fairway where you will be left with a midiron amphitheatre and protected by bunkers left and right. A truly great golf links hole.

To Book anything from a single Tee Time to a complete golfing holiday package call one of our golf holiday consultants on:- (+44) 020 8644 9229 Fax (+44) 020 8644 9779 or e-mail or written quotations to:- Golf Holidays Abroad Ltd, 234 Gander Green Lane, Sutton, Surrey. SM3 9QF.

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Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links