LEINSTER

Ivan Morris in his book, Ireland’s Best 9 Hole Golf Courses, published in 2015, described Foxrock Golf Club as being in the Premier League of nine-hole courses with the best greens, best set of par-four holes, best short game area, and best clubhouse. He also noted that in 1971 there were 123 nine-hole courses registered with the Golfing Union of Ireland (GUI) and just 87 18-hole courses. In the intervening years, many of the nine-hole courses were expanded to 18 holes. In 2013 there were 85 nine-hole courses registered (50 built since 1971) so Foxrock Golf Club is one of only 35 courses that have survived intact since 1971. First impressions of Foxrock GC are that of a very well-presented golf course. Over the last eight years Ken Kearney the renowned Course Architect has undertaken some major course renovations and Improvements to Foxrock GC.

Situated in the foothills of the Dublin mountains, just 15 minutes from the city centre and with access to all major routes, Grange Golf Club, a James Braid course and home to Paul McGinley, Ryder Cup Captain, was voted as the best parkland course in Dublin (Golf Digest, 2008). Visitors can look forward to playing a mature woodland course with beautiful views and without any sense of being close to the city or suburbs. Grange adjoins Marlay Park and is beside St. Enda’s Park, which provide wonderful natural boundaries.

Up until 1971 all nine holes in Sutton were located on the clubhouse side of the railway line. New members and visitors shake their heads when they hear this. They are usually told a story that has become embedded in Sutton history. Legend has it that when someone shouted “fore” everyone on the course ducked! The club had spent some time negotiating with Dublin City Council for a large plot of reclaimed land, that had been a dump previously. Eventually the club received a lease and the three new holes that were developed opened in 1971. They have been developed over subsequent years to become three excellent and challenging holes. As might be expected this allowed development of 6 basically new holes on the original footprint of the club. The challenge has remained the same for golfers down through the years. Accuracy is all important - which is why Sutton continues to develop many fine golfers.

Set on 39 hectares of picturesque parkland, only 6kms from Dublin City Centre and 20kms from Dublin Airport. Elm Park Golf & Sports Club was founded in 1925, the Club offers world class facilities for golf and tennis, with an 18 hole golf course, 13 tennis courts (2 all-weather floodlit, 4 artificial clay courts, 2 covered courts and 5 grass courts) and 3 Padel courts. The vibrant membership of Elm Park also provide numerous clubs and societies covering activities from bridge to snooker, to art and poetry. The clubhouse and recently refurbished sports area provide a comfortable and welcoming space to unwind, enjoy fine or casual dining, or just relax in the bar and enjoy the beautiful views.