 The Old Course
Many golf guides have ranked this course among the top ten golf courses in the world, and today Ballybunion is universally regarded as one of golf's holiest grounds. It is situated on the Atlantic coastline next to the south side of the Shannon Estuary . When President Clinton golfed in Ireland in 1998 it was here in Ballybunion that he played with that great Irish golfer Christy O'Connor Jnr.
Tough but fair, the Old Course feels as though it has been here forever. The course has the huge dunes like Lahinch but without the blind spots. There are no pushover holes, yet every one is a pleasurable experience.
The Cashen Course
Ballybunion's Cashen Course is not just the small brother of the Old Course, it is a theatrical event all of its own, and a highlight of any golfing visit to Ireland. Considered by Trent Jones to be one of his masterpieces, the Cashen Course is loved by some critics but less appreciated by the masses. The Cashen Course is long, difficult and spectacular; characterised by narrow fairways, small greens and substantially larger dunes than on the Old course. Not to be missed.
Location
Ballybunion, Co. Kerry , 30 minutes north of Tralee
Facts and Details
The Old Course
Type of courses: Links Course
Holes: 18 Length: 5980 m, Par: 72
Architect: redesigned by Tom Watson in 1995
Handicap Limit: Male 24, Female 36
The Cashen Course
Type of courses: Links Course
Holes: 18 Length: 5800m, Par: 72
Architect: Robert Trent Jones
Handicap Limit: Male 24, Female 36
Green Fees
Old Course
Cashen Course
Grading
Old Course *****
Cashen Course *****
Recommended accommodation
Glin Castle
Meadowlands Hotel
Comments
"It is my favorite course in the world. ... The 11th on the Old Course is possibly the best par 4 on the planet, and 15 is the best par 3 that I've played, bar none. Where else do you start a round by hitting over a grave yard?" Guest review
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