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, and it promises tees and greens perched on 300 foot cliffs. Half of the holes here sit tantalisingly above a raging sea as you head out to a lighthouse on the front nine and then back again. For the back nine, press ‘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. Fairways and greens are pristine… even the rough is elegant. There are some terrifying holes (the 12th most notably), but donating the ball to the ocean has never been so much fun. Playing here is an experience not to be missed – don’t forget your camera.
Favourite Hole: the 2nd is your first – and stunning – introduction to those cliff top holes. It doglegs left to a green with nothing behind but ocean.
What’s in the Bag? Stay on dry land and you can score well here, assuming the wind doesn’t whip you into submission.