A testing parkland course right in the centre of Ireland. Founded in 1892 but extensively upgraded between 2003-06 this course is now a tough test of golf with tree lined fairways, out of bounds in play at many holes and water hazards provided by Lough Ree. Wonderful views from the elevated clubhouse where they serve the best pint of Guinness in the midlands. Great value for money golf.
On the opposite side of Lough Ree to Athlone Golf Club, Glasson is a classic Christy O'Connor parkland track. With testing undulating greens and changes of elevation throughout the course it is no surprise that the European Challenge Tour has chosen this to stage one of its events in 07 and 08. There is a fine 4* hotel on the grounds of the course with wonderful views of the back nine and Lough Ree.
As traditional a parkland course as you can get,Tullamore is one of the finest old clubs in the Midlands. Well guarded greens, tree-lined fairways and the introduction in 1995 of 3 strategically placed lakes combine to present a golfing challenge to players of all ability. The outstanding feature hole is the 16th requiring two accurate shots to reach the green guarded by both stream and trees.
Designed by Christy O'Connor Jnr. and opened in 1996 Esker Hills is destined for the highest placings in golf course rankings. Set in 175 acres of naturally undulating hills (eskers) , this golf course is tough but never unfair. Agreement on the outstanding holes will be difficult to reach, but Esker Hills is certain to be a strong contender for best course in the Midlands. No Irish golf break is complete without a round at Esker Hills. A must play tip from Tailor-Made Golf Tours.
Carved through splendid forest on an old estate where deer can frequently be seen, Portumna presents a true and fair test for golfers of all ability. Having negotiated past the huge old oak trees on the long opening 3 holes, Portumna continues with a series of challenging parkland holes. The feature is the 17th, a tough par 5 where you drive through a bottleneck of trees. From there on you have a water hazard on the right to the green, a graveyard for manys a card. Terrific value for money course..
A venerable golf club situated in magnificent woodland terrain outside the town of Mullingar. The course is the annual venue for the prestigious Mullingar Scratch cup, won in both 2001 and 2003 by Walker Cup player Colm Moriarty. Like many of the older courses in Ireland, Mullingar has been upgraded in recent years but still maintains the old world charm of a course that was founded well over 100 years ago.
The Old Course is a well-established, mature layout with trees lining the fairways and is as traditional a parkland course as you can get. Designed for the shorter accurate hitter with fairways lined by mature trees and greens that are small by modern standards. The greens are consistently rated as some of the best parkland greens in the East of Ireland. This place will charm the socks off you.
The New Course was opened in 2001 and receives glowing accolades from those who have played it. The River Blackwater is incorporated into thirteen holes and full use is made of two islands on the river. The tougher of the two courses at Headfort due to it length and the amount of water waiting to greet the wayward shot.
A top class parkland course in a 5* resort. Has the look and feel of a classic American TPC course with generous bunkering along the fairways and even more so around the greens. Water comes into play at many holes no more so than at the 9th and the 18th where any mishit shot is sure to meet a watery grave. Immaculate tees and PGA standard greens, this is one to be relished.
