DG IRELAND TOP150 – 2024
PORTUMNA
Editor, Kevin Markham
The ancient forest which surrounds Portumna contrasts against the glorious estate of undulating terrain that flows within. This is parkland in every sense of the word, where mature oak, ash and beech trees wander across the landscape as casually as the deer which frequently appear from the forest. Here the holes all work perfectly together, establishing a lazy rhythm where the gentle
changes in elevation are used to maximum effect. The sweetest of these are the par three 5th, which dives down between dark trees, and the par three 18th which plays from high tee to high green.
Both are beauties.
The giant trees often anchor holes – both as something to aim at and to avoid. Send a drive on the perfect line and it’s a joy to watch. Navigate your way through the trees and the thrill is just as rewarding.
Portumna is a big course that doesn’t brag or show off. It has a sublimely effortless beauty to how it presents itself and the natural shaping of the greens is the epitome of this… so beware some interesting slopes. Exceptional value for money.
Favourite Hole
The darkness of the deep forest overwhelms the
par-4 16th along the right. But stay as close to the
trees as you can as the green sits high, protected
by trees on the left. Short but tricky.
What’s in the Bag?
This is a lovely driving course but pay attention to
the fairway slopes and angles to figure out the best
landing zone.
Direct link to feature; https://joom.ag/LVnd/p114
