 Old Course
Founded in 1893, Lahinch with its towering sand dunes, undulating fairways and rolling greens is the perfect example of a true Irish links course. Set in the sand dunes of west Co. Clare and bounded by the vast expanse of the mighty Atlantic Ocean, it is indeed a humbling experience to play this historic links.
Lahinch was originally designed by 'Old' Tom Morris of St. Andrews and extensively revised by Dr. Alastair MacKenzie in 1928.
Two of the most famous holes in golf reside here. The Klondyke is a par five and features a drive into a scenic valley from where you then have to play a blind 200-yarder over a monstrous sand dune to the oasis of safety that is the green. The Dell is a par three that inspires either delight or desperation but always awe at its natural beauty. You play your tee shot onto a green that is straddled front and back by sand dunes. The pin position, not visible from the tee box is indicated by the placement of a stone on the bank of the near dune. It is an anxious walk over the dune in anticipation of what lies beyond.
Castle Course
The Castle course, a second course at the opposite side of the road from the Old Course, was added in 1975. It is the old course that includes real gems and the Castle still presents its own brand of toughness and cleverly positioned bunkers and water hazards to trap the unsuspecting golfer. The course itself is rather flat, but many golfers enjoy playing the Castle Course after being brutalized by the gruelling Old Course with its blind shots and towering dunes.
Location
Lahinch, Co. Clare
Facts and Details
Old Course:
Type of course: Links Course
Holes: 18, Length: 6194m, Par: 72
Architect: Old Tom Morris, later Alister McKenzie, modernised in 1999 by Martin Hawtree.
Castle Course:
Type of course: Links Course
Holes: 18, Length:, Par: 72
Green Fees
Old Course:
Castle Course:
Grading
Old Course:*****
Castle Course:***
Recommended accommodation
Sheedy's Country House
Comments
"As much fun as I've ever had. Caddy a must (be ready to stand their dry abuse). With a 30 MPH headwind into the blind 5th, had to use a full 5 Wood. As good as it gets." Guest Review
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