One of Ireland’s greatest links –
County Louth
DG IRELAND TOP150 – 2023
Editor Kevin Markham
Co. Louth is one of Ireland’s great links, 45 minutes north of
Dublin. It has graced this coastline since 1892, but it is also
known for Shane Lowry’s heroic victory when he won the Irish
Open in 2009. It does, however, have a long and distinguished
history, with its impeccable design embracing old school strategy
and finesse. This is especially true with the slopes around the
greens, and on the four excellent par threes.
The putting surfaces are sublime and are forever mentioned when
Co. Louth is appraised. Today, raised tee boxes help to show off
the beauty of the course’s holes which typically fall into two
types: the subtle and the shapely. The biggest dunes are pressed
up against the sea and this is where the most dramatic holes exist,
with the renowned run from the 12th to the 16th promising some
outstanding thrills. But the run of holes from the 3rd to the 8th is
equally good, with deep pockets and sharp ledges testing the best
that golfers can throw at them.
Favourite Hole
How can you not adore a par-4 as short as the 14th –
with not one bunker – that will take your breath away.
What’s in the Bag?
The softest of touches around greens is essential.