Bold and dramatic, Old Head is undoubtedly one of the world’s greatest golf experiences.
The peninsula south of Kinsale blossoms like a pearl earring, dropping into the Atlantic Ocean.
It promises tees and greens perched on 300 foot cliffs. Half of the holes here sit tantalisingly above the raging sea. You head out to a lighthouse (the famous 4th) on the front nine and then back again. For the back nine, you’re almost pressing ‘repeat’. The back tee on the 18th is one of the scariest places you will ever hit a Old Head 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. That said, the par five 12th is one of the most terrifying and beautiful holes you will ever play… and
donating a ball to the ocean is exhilarating.
DG IRELAND TOP 150 golf courses
Editor, Kevin Markham