Enniscrone Golf Club
Golf in Sligo, particularly on the links at Enniscrone, could arguably, be overshadowed by the 5km. stretch of golden sand surrounded by active sand dunes that is the blue flagged beach here, or by the waves that draw surfers from all over the world here but then, if you have any leaning towards golf and have heard what Nick Faldo said, having played the course: “Got to be the most dramatic, powerful and challenging dunes in links golf”
You will simply have to see for yourself and any thoughts of swimming or surfing first will go with the receding tide. That is, until you have finished the course. Did I mention yet, that the editor of Golf Digest said of the Enniscrone course, that it truly had some of the greatest holes in the world, praise doesn’t get much better than that.
Many of the holes peripheries are framed by enormous sand dunes which adds to the excitement especially when the weather is trying to “assist” with stormy, swirling winds, not to mention blind tee shots on a few of the earlier holes.
This course of 400 acres is a par 73 Dunes Championship Links Course of over 6,8oo yards from yellow tees with distracting views of Killala bay, golden beaches being lapped by the Atlantic Ocean and a backdrop of the Ox mountains to the east and the Nephin’s to the south west.
The impressive 9 hole Scurmore course is a delight for those who want a round or two but for whatever reason, on the day, cannot do the Dunes.
When the game is won or ” should have been won but for” there is a bar\restaurant for a bite to eat and a pint of Guinness to debate the issue.
For more information and to book tee times, contact: Enniscrone Golf Club,
County Sligo Golf Club, Rosses Point
Another absolute gem of a course, not to far from here, is the County Sligo Golf Club also called Rosses Point Golf Club. You cannot say you have played golf in Sligo without tackling Rosses point. The Slieve League Cliffs of Donegal and the coastline of all the counties on the Wild Atlantic Way down to the cliffs in Kerry have been facing off the ferocity of the Atlantic Ocean successfully for time immemorial and now it is your turn.
On the 4th and 17th hole respectively, remember it’s not just your companions you challenge to-day but the deviousness of Atlantic swirling and sneaky wind gusts. Concentrate on your own ability, stance, grip and what the caddy told you but most of all, think of the bragging rights that an under par score on each would give you. Should you achieve that, now concentrate on controlling the smug grin that is likely to fill your face.
The undulating links, a fusion of dunes and burns, of high plateau greens and low ground, of testing bunkers and testing patience combined with panoramic views of a sweeping bay, sandy strands, Dartry and Ox mountains to say nothing of Bunbulben could make this days golf in Sligo the most memorable day of the vacation and that’s before you even reach the bar/ restaurant called Austies Pub & Restaurant. that has an A La Carte menu from 5 o’ clock every day.
Once again here , there is a 9 hole called the Bomore Links of 3040 Yds (2760 Mts.)
For more information and to book tee times, contact: The County Sligo Golf Club
We have only selected 2 golf courses for this article but there are more courses in Sligo to keep the enthusiast occupied for several days, should the need arise and we will post more information at a later date.
Strandhill Golf Club:
The first competitive stroke of a ball was launched here successfully, towards the troposphere, in 1931 and the launch was deemed such a success that similar successful launches have been completed daily ever since. John McAlister was responsible for the first site re-design in 1939, and it was up-graded
The question that fleetingly flashed through my mind on completion was whether or not the people who designed the course were born again sailors. I felt like like a sea sick land lubber who just stepped off a long voyage after the continuous undulations. In their defense, the Golf Club predicts an “unforgettable experience” after finishing and they are not lying.
This is 6200yd, par 70 course of undulating fairways is most definitely, a totally enjoyable and “unforgettable experience” and I must say the scenic views add further to the dream that is the Strandhill course. Just imagine the conundrum of a balmy warm summer day, walking the course where you come across the Atlantic literally lapping beside beside you and wondering if it should have been your swimming gear you brought not golf clubs. Conversely, imagine that same ocean telling you why exactly, it’s called the Wild Atlantic Way. It, then, is a test of all your inner strength against furious wind gusts. That’s the beauty of golf.
