DG IRELAND TOP150 – 2024
MULLINGAR
Editor, Kevin Markham
Mullingar is an old and revered parkland, renowned for its annual Scratch Cup (won by many Irish greats) and its particularly intimidating par three 2nd. This is old school and it’s class. In 1937, the legendary James Braid created the simplest of designs by planting tees to indicate tee box and green positions. Or so
the story goes. Whatever the truth, Mullingar has evolved into a curvaceous parkland beauty, smartly routed, always colourful and always strategic. Your driver will be well used and it’s a pleasure to hit… but shaping the ball will definitely help to avoid the trees.
Just look at the 10th!
Braid wanted the current 10th to be the 1st, but it was subsequently agreed that it was too tough a start. As a 458 yard, par four dogleg curving to the right around trees you’ll understand why.
The course was upgraded between 2003 and 2005, which saw some new greens and bunkering, and a reorientation of three holes. The par 72 remains but Mullingar now plays two to three shots harder than before. Importantly, its Braid character remains.
A new short game has been added and 2024 will see some further
design tweak.
Favourite Hole
The par three 2nd is 197 yards and it’s all on view
from the raised tee. The green – similarly raised –
must not be missed if par is to be achieved.
What’s in the Bag?
It is not the longest of courses but this is a tactical
challenge, from tee to green. If you want to score
well every shot has to be considered carefully
Direct link to feature; https://joom.ag/LVnd/p36
