Destination Golf Ireland 2024 | Page 82

DESTINATION GOLF 2024

Waterville

Golfers from around the world flock to Waterville , and the drive along the Ring of Kerry , above the sea , builds the expectation no end . This is something special , something idyllic , and the setting only makes the course all the more alluring . It is all too easy to fall in love with it .
Few courses can boast such picture-perfect holes and such a sensuous rhythm . You can thank Eddie Hackett and , later , Tom Fazio for this links work-of-art . The dunes start low taking you to the River Inny , where the par-4 2nd and 3rd hit you with Index
1 and 3 respectively . The water hugs you tight all along the 3rd and then you dive back into the dunes for more dramatic and wonderfully pristine shapes . These embrace you for the entirety of the back nine where the par-3s ( 12 and 17 ) will leave you in awe . Raised tee boxes ensure you can see much of each hole and , with wide fairways , it will make you want to swing hard . It ’ s a long course so go right ahead .
The front nine are excellent ; the back nine are spectacular .
WATERVILLEGOLFLINKS . IE
Favourite Hole
There are so many obvious contenders but ‘ Tranquility ’ shines brightest . The par-5 11th is one of the most beautiful holes in Ireland . No more needs to be said .
What ’ s in the Bag ?
The subtlety of the many doglegs can easily be lost on you . Pay close attention to which side of the fairway to favour .
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