Rosapenna Golf Resort is located in the North West of Ireland in County Donegal amongst 800 acres, along the coastline of Tramore beach, it looks out onto Sheephaven Bay and stretches of gorgeous sand dunes.
Rosapenna Golf Resort is home to three stunning courses in one amazing coastal location, the Old Tom Morris Links, The Sandy Hills & St Patrick’s Links which offer their own charm and appeal. It is undoubtedly one of the finest golf resorts in Ireland with a long pedigree that dates back to the late 19th century. In 2003 the second course the Sandy Hills links designed by Pat Ruddy was opened and it is in complete contrast to the Old Tom Morris, it is considered a fiercer course. During its relatively short lifetime Sandy Hills has received rave reviews and has continually climbed the rankings as it develops into one of Ireland’s finest modern links courses. This 18 hole championship course is a par 71 and measures an impressive 7,255 yards from the tips.
This fabulous modern links course makes the most of of the terrain here, it blends and contours effortlessly through the surrounding sand dunes, whilst making the most out of the spectacular views. The course boasts a number of distinctive features that encompass narrow fairways and elevated greens together with natural undulations and not forgetting the impressive sand dunes, that the course cuts through and the marram grass that covers them. In fact you are enclosed by the sand dunes from the first to the last hole. The majority of the holes run north and south along the dune ridges, parallel to the front nine of the Old Tom Morris Links below. The opening holes are pretty long and tight and with some tricky drives. There are no weak holes on the course they are all strong, precise and scenic.
As with all links courses the wind is a factor when playing, it can really impact your game depending on how it blows. Precision shots are called for here, the large elevated greens are nestled into the dunes and protected by some serious bunkers, they really are hazards. The course is beautifully maintained, you will find that the greens are firm, fast and they run true, the narrow fairways and wide landing areas can be deceptive, the rough is impenetrable, the deep sculptured bunkering is harsh and then there are the blind spots to contend with. The course is tough and challenging but never unfair, the key here to score well is accuracy both off the tee and on the approach and don’t forget to enjoy the breath-taking natural beauty of the area. What you get at Sandy Hills is a test of golf at its toughest and purest.