Great Value Golf Courses in Southwest Ireland
Ballybunion Cashen
The newer course at Ballybunion was designed by Robert Trent Jones with the specific intention of making a target golf course in perfect links terrain. The result is controversial but nonetheless enthralling, a glorious roller coaster ride full of charm, quirks and spectacular holes through magnificent dunes and along the ocean to finish.
Bantry Bay
Bantry Bay is a fine and challenging golf course with memorable sweeping views and a variety of testing holes as expected from an O'Connor Jnr. design. There are his usual collection of excellent par-3s, including the first and a variety of longer holes including some blind shot and some more forgiving fairways.
Beaufort
The best value golf course in County Kerry offers splendid views from every point on this Arthur Spring designed challenge. Once a dairy farm, the course has several natural streams and ponds and more were added by new owners in the late days of the Celtic Tiger to make this course an outstanding value for money play.
Cork
Cork is an Alister Mackenzie designed golf course near the shores of Cork Harbour with the most memorable stratech being the 3 holes running directly along the shore. Another interesting feature is the old marble quarry around which several holes are built. The course has a distinctive heathland feel.
Fota Island
Challenging, par 71, championship course which is very much in the traditional mode, featuring pot bunkers and undulating putting surfaces. Located in the heart of a 780 acre estate and originally designed by Christy OConnor Jr. and Peter McEvoy, the course is now upgraded to European Tour standards.
Killarney Mahonys Point
Mahony's Point is the second course at Kilalrney Golf and Fishing Club although the majority of the holes are from the original Killarney course designed by Guy Campbell. The final 3 holes are among the best closing holes anywhere with the par-3 18th hole being one the most famous and photographed anywhere.
Ring of Kerry
On the southern side of the McGillicuddy Reeks mountains, not far from the pretty market town of Kenmare Ring of Kerry golf course offers terrific views over Kenmare Bay. The course is a challenging parkland style course providing major elevation changes. The greens are excellent and add to the challenge.
