Castlemartyr Golf Course
DG IRELAND TOP150 – 2023
Editor, Kevin Markham
There are no more than a few courses in Ireland which were designed as inland links… and Castlemartyr is the youngest of them.
It has that low rhythmic flow that makes links golf so enjoyable, but the wind will be far less of a burden here as you target the generous fairways and silken greens. It is elegant golf.
The boundary of the course is deep woodland which highlights the stark openness of the fairways. Your draw or fade will rarely be threatened so you can open the shoulders and drive to your heart’s content. But, a word of warning, the bumps and ridges bordering fairways are home to deep rough… they are not to be trifled with. There is also a small creek which runs across several holes.
Castlemartyr is a shortish course (par 72, 6,262 yards, middle tees) – on the front nine especially – which has been well routed around the resort’s magnificent five star hotel – the luxurious Manor House dates back to the 17th century.
Under new ownership, the resort is receiving an €8 million investment, including a complete renovation of the bunkers.
WWW.CASTLEMARTYRRESORT.IE/GOLF/
Favourite Hole
The par four 16th has the best views from the corner
of the course, and the tip of the flag is visible in
front of old castle walls.
What’s in the Bag?
Accuracy over length, but you can swing away if
you prefer. Look out for the castle on the drive in: it
was first built in 1210 by The Knights Templar