Woodstock Golf Course
Ennis, County Clare
Founded in 1998, Woodstock is situated in pleasant countryside on the outskirts of Ennis. It features a tough opening hole, a loop of holes (6-8) around a lake that can spoil a card early, and provides six excellent finishing holes. In between there are good scoring chances. The course is protected by several natural lakes, a river, and mature wooded areas. The excellent clubhouse adds to the golf experience at one of the more underrated golf courses in the west of Ireland.
Woodstock is just outside Ennis, Co. Clare, a short diversion from the road to Lahinch. It is 18 miles from Shannon Airport and 19 miles to Lahinch.
Woodstock Course Description
Woodstock provides an interesting opening hole where a wide expanse of land from the tee suddenly narrows and makes the drive look a lot easier than it is. From the fairway the approach is through a natural funnel. Walk off with 4 an be happy -- holes 2 and 3 provide scoring chances.
The par-3 4th hole is across a lake to a green that looks hard against the Woodstock Hotel. Slightly unfortunate but nevertheless an excellent hole. The next is a cross country par-5 leading to the start of Woodstock's own "Amen Corner".
First is the severely downhill 6th -- club selection is vital as is a straight hit. The Par-4 seventh features a tee-shot from an elevated position across a lake to an island fairway. The second shot requires a fairway-wood or long iron across the same lake to a large two-tiered green also protected by bunkers. A lay-up area is available to the right of the green and must always be considered. The next hole is a Par-3 that requires a full carry across water to a green protected on both sides. It is a lovely stretch of holes.
