Old Head – DG IRELAND 2021
Editor, Kevin Markham
Bold and dramatic, Old Head is undoubtedly one of the world’s greatest golfing experiences. The peninsula south of Kinsale blossoms like a pearl earring, dropping into the Atlantic Ocean. It promises tees and greens perched on 300 foot cliffs. Half of the holes here sit tantalisingly above the raging sea. You head out to a lighthouse (the famous 4th) on the front nine and then back again. For the back nine, you’re almost pressing ‘repeat’.
The back tee on the 18th is one of the scariest places you will ever hit a shot from, tucked above cliffs and below the lighthouse.
It may be surprising to find that golf here is of the generous variety. On such an exclusive, plush course the objective is not to punish you but to let you play. If you don’t knock it into the ocean then you’re unlikely to lose it. That said,
the par five 12th is one of the most terrifying and beautiful holes you will ever play… and donating a ball to the ocean is exhilarating.
Favourite Hole: The par four 2nd is your first visit to the cliff tops. All on show from the tee there is nothing behind the green but sea.
What’s in the Bag? Stay on dry land and you should score well. Don’t get RSI from taking too many photos.
