Adjoining
the Old Course at Ballyliffin, the newer Glashedy Links provides
a roller coaster tour of this remarkable lunar like landscape. At
many 36 hole complexes, the newer golf course is often perceived
as inferior. Nothing could be further from the truth at Ballyliffin
as Glashedy Links is recognized as the championship course and probably
the better of the two though this is purely a matter of personal
choice.
Given the incredible piece of golfing land
on hand at Ballyliffin, the Glashedy Links was always destined
for greatness. The end result however surpassed all expectation
and Glashedy Links stands today as a supremely testing and stunningly
beautiful links course. Glashedy is destined for recognition as
one of the world's finest links.
From the championship tees, the Glashedy Links
is over 7,000 yards in length and the golfer should be assured
that there is no gentle introduction. Opening with 3 mighty par
4's, the golfer is led away from the clubhouse and deep into the
dunes into a world populated by a plethora of revetted (turf stacked)
bunkers. The greens are generally large and full of subtle undulation,
while many are two tiered, putting an emphasis on accurate approach
shots.
It is difficult to pick any signature hole
at Glashedy as each has its own charms but the par 3, 7th playing
from a height to a green sited 100 feet below, does catch the
eye. On the back nine, a tremendous sequence of holes commences
with the fiercely doglegging 12th. The long 13th is already being
heralded as one of the best par 5's in Ireland, while the 14th
is certainly one of the most seductive short holes in Irish golf.
As with all great courses, the 18th is an apt closing hole. The
shot to the last must be threaded along a corridor of dunes and
between two revetted bunkers miss the green left or right and
you may have to display your shot making artistry in front of
the overlooking clubhouse. A great end to a wonderful experience!
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