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Portmarknock Golf Links
Portmarknock, Co. Dublin
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| Portmarnock Links is the newest of the four links courses in the environs of Dublin, but youth should not be held against it. With Bernhard Langer as its designer and the natural linksland of this area to assist, Portmarnock Links opened to great acclaim in 1996. In the years that have passed since the inauguration, the early fanfare has proved to be well warranted, and Portmarnock Links has shown itself to be a masterpiece of design, ranking alongside Ireland's best. This is a course that flows as naturally and easily as any. There is no artificial flashiness, no gimmickry; just a professionalism and authenticity that tells you this is a master. An outstanding feature is the quality and the quantity of bunkers. Nearly 100 lie scattered throughout the course, deep, steep faced and menacing. These are the infamous pot-bunkers that can ruin a good night's sleep for any golfer. In many ways, Portmarnock Links is reminiscent of some of the great Scottish championship layouts. The front nine may lack in the scenery department, but it bears a striking likeness to Carnoustie in terms of toughness -- requiring the player's undivided attention, with no forgiveness for those who may err. Muirfield comes to mind on the back nine, or more precisely from the eighth and possibly finest hole on the course. This sharp dogleg left drops precipitously in true links style to a sharply sloped green, precariously balanced between wild sand dunes. From here on, each hole becomes increasingly more scenic, though not the least bit kinder. Portmarnock Links has earned a well-deserved reputation for the strength of its finishing holes and from the 15th onward, it is survival of only the fittest. The approach on the 15th must be made over and around a sea of sand traps while the 16th is played from a superbly elevated tee. The 17th is a formidable short hole with a threatening greenside bunker of frightening proportions, and the grand finale is played from a lofty tee to an amphitheater green surrounded by gigantic dunes and those inevitable pot-bunkers. This will be one of those rounds you will be remembering for years to come. |
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© 2004 Authentic Ireland Travel |
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