The
golf links of Enniscrone is another of the great, relatively little
known and underplayed golf links of Ireland's northwest. It is one
of those rare links from which no player comes away disappointed
however badly they may have played. Make no mistake that Enniscrone
deserves to be rated alongside the likes of Lahinch, Rosses Point,
Connemara, Waterville and Ballybunion. It is a classic links with
dramatic dune land, superb greens and breathtaking views. This is
an experience that once savoured, should be repeated and will never
be forgotten.
While golf began at Enniscrone as far back
as 1918, it was not until 1974 that the course was extended to
18 holes. And when Eddie Hackett was invited to design an extension
to the original nine hole course, the terrain prompted him to
comment: "A pleasing feature is the variety. As well as holes
in the open flatland, there will be those ranging through the
sand dunes with the occasional dogleg adding to the attraction".
As ever, Hackett fulfilled his promise and over the years, Enniscrone
has hosted many major championships including the Irish Close
Championship in 1993 and the prestigious West of Ireland Championship
from 1997 to 1999 inclusive.
Enniscrone, with its dunes, humps, hollows,
rough and fast greens gives the golfer a picture of life as it
must have been many centuries ago. Rugged dunes unchanged over
the course of time, a bracing wind, clear sky, the most beautiful
beach in the world, the Moy Estuary and the Atlantic Ocean are
set against the majestic backdrop provided by the Nephin and Ox
Mountains. Many memorable holes exist at Enniscrone while each
one tests the golfer's skills and concentration to the limit.
Donald Steele, the celebrated British golf
course architect was commissioned to design an additional nine
holes in the late 1990's. These holes were completed by early
2001 and have been integrated into the original layout. In replacing
some of the weaker holes, the present championship course at Enniscrone
now represents as fine a test of links golf as one can find anywhere.
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