This magnificent parkland course is situated in the heart of Ireland and is quickly acquiring a reputation as one of the finest inland Golf Courses in Ireland.
This championship course opened in 1996 so is a relatively modern course, it was designed by Christy O’Connor Jnr, who has cleverly used the unique natural landscape of Esker Hills to create an exceptional golfing test for all level of golfer. The course is a par 71, 6669 yards from the white tees.A unique terrain was created in this region by the Ice Age and the result are narrow ridges of sand and gravel and it here where the course lies.
It is set amongst dramatic undulations of valleys and plateaux together with natural woodlands and four lakes that provide the course with its unique features. Strictly speaking it is a parkland course although many who play here claim it has a typical links feel about it and once you play here you see why, it certainly has a unique feel.
There is an interesting variety of holes with no two the same, you will not find a weak hole here. Some of the best holes here are the shorter par fours.The course comprises of two loops of nine that both end close to the clubhouse.
It is
- immaculate and
- well maintained,
- the sand based undulating greens are excellent, large and sloping,
- you will find them to be true and fast,
- the fairways are generous and
- bordered by indigenous shrubs with good quality bunkering.
The course starts out at a nice pace but does get tricker after that. Water comes into play on twelve of the holes. There is plenty of elevation changes throughout the course, so a buggy might be in order to get around.It is a course for your head not your muscles, you can’t just turn up and play, you will need to consider your shots, hard hitters will not necessarily fair well here. It is a technically demanding course.
The phrase “Hidden Gem” has been excessively used when describing golf courses. That however is exactly what Esker Hills Golf Course is, it is authentic, challenging, beautiful and fun what more could you want from a course.