Killarney Mahonys Point Golf Course
Killarney, County Kerry
Mahony's Point is a very scenic golf course with some very fine golf holes. Water comes less into play here than on the Killeen course but there are many fine trees and plantations to penalise the wayward stroke. Sir Guy Campbell's 1930s layout was supplanted in the 1970s when the Killeen course was created. Nonetheless the three finishing holes here are his original design and they are perhaps the best 3 holes on either course.
Killarney Mahonys Point Course Description
The final three holes are the most memorable. The 16th is a par-5 that plays downhill towards the Lough Leane with the fairway bisected by a stream that all also catches anything to the left off the tee. Longer hitters will have a chance of reaching the large green. The 17th is a sporty par-4 that plays alongside the lake and the piece-de-resistance is the par-3 18th, usually into the prevailing wind across the lake to angreen framed by tall, elegant pine trees.
The 17th is a shortish par-4 but the fairway runs alongside the lake back towards the clubhouse. There is no room for error on the right hand side and the left is protected by rough and a line of evergreen trees. The final hole is Mahony's Point most famous, a par-3 of nearly 200 yards that requires a huge carry across the corner of the lake. Gene Sarazen called it "one of the most memorable holes in the world".