MONKSTOWN GOLF CLUB
DG IRELAND TOP150 – 2023
Editor, Kevin Markham
A fine, mature and peaceful parkland awaits at Monkstown, just south-east of Cork city. Trees define holes from the start and as a short course you’ll find those trees prove over-protective time and again.
Careful judgement is required off the tee and the best hole on the course – the par four 10th – calls for two razor sharp shots, first through a tricky dogleg in the trees and then to a perched green sitting above water.
But this is a gentle, embracing affair and its length makes it fun and accessible for everyone. The front nine deliver a steep and unexpected drop down to a green (the 3rd) before rising sharply back up (the 5th). There’s a modern and plush clubhouse, too, but keep an eye on your left as you play the 7th, for this is Monkstown Castle (1636) which was once the clubhouse. An extensive new short game area has been added alongside an 11-bay driving range.
Favourite Hole
The par four 10th is beautiful to the eye as it plays
over a hollow before doglegging out of sight between
the trees.
What’s in the Bag?
If you can’t control your driver, leave it in the bag