Enniscrone Golf Club / Beartrach

Ireland / Mayo / Ballina /
 golf course, invisible

Enniscrone is one of those links that you can recommend to your friends and visitors without any fear that they will come away disappointed. Undoubtedly it is its right to be included among such exalted company as Ballybunion, Connemara, Lahinch, Waterville and Bantry Bay as the premier links on the Western seaboard.
Once you step on to the first tee prepare yourself for the ultimate golf experience. Dramatic Dunelands, inspired design, superb greens and breathtaking views combine to make golf at Enniscrone an absolute delight.
As you walk on the fast draining fairway turf, where you never get less than a perfect lie, you experience a feeling of lightness that makes two rounds seem more like one. There is an unmistakable air of elegance and quality about the way the holes vary their direction and challenge.

When Eddie Hackett was invited to design an extension to the modest nine hole course which existed here up to 1974, the terrain prompted his observation: "A pleasing feature is the variety. As well as holes in the open flatland there will be those ranging through the sand dunes with the occasional dog-leg adding to the attraction."
Eddie succeeded admirably in realising his vision for the course so much so, that when Stephen Goodwin of the 'Washington Post' played it, he enthused: "The sort of course that brings you at every turn with a shot you want to make...I was playing golf and the key word was playing."
Enniscrone's mighty links boast holes lapped by the Atlantic Ocean, the result of one of the most dramatic transformations any course has undergone. To an Irish course that already has its admirers, has been added a series of glorious holes threading a path through mountainous dunes. With such a true flavour of links, it will have few peers.

Construction and seeding made light of the difficulties more usually confronted at the seaside with establishment by hydro-seeding being remarkably quick. Use of the dunes has now enabled the club to spread its wings to 27 holes. Adoption of some of the old holes that were relinquished, together with the development of three new ones on adjoining land, enabled a significant expansion that brought with it significant playing options.
Donald Steel (Architect of new holes)

A meeting in 1918 marked the formal beginning of golf in Enniscrone and though, like so many links, it has been extended, modified and improved, it quickly built up justifiable popularity.

In 1974 the links were extended to 18 holes on a design prepared by the great Eddie Hackett returning the natural appearance of the dunes, yet blended and shaped holes through them that has interfered very little with the Lords creation.

Enniscrone is well known for its magnificent sunsets and takes pride in being one of Irelands most popular seaside resorts. It has a 5km stretch of lovely safe beach (Blue Flag) surrounded by dunes. The friendly, relaxed welcome which the town extends to its visitors is legendary and the local hotels and guest houses have long years of experience in catering for the whims of golfers. In the hospitable pubs, golf is often the subject of conversation and indeed the resort is a sportsman's paradise where fishermen have their choice of deepwater or shore fishing. Excellent angling is available nearby on salmon rivers and brown trout lakes such as the River Moy and Lough Conn situated on the Eastern shore of historic Killala Bay, Enniscrone is most suitable for all water sports be it swimming, surfing, water skiing or sailing.

Golf in Enniscrone is aimed first and foremost at the members, who undertake pride in their clubhouse and the conditions of the links, which is never less than first class. Green fee visitors and societies are most welcome and a very important element in the economic well being of the club and its hinterland.

www.enniscronegolf.com/
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   54°12'19"N   9°6'58"W
This article was last modified 2 months ago