The Zone Interactive Golf Magazine (UK) Golf in Ireland Issue 5

GolfinYour guide to great golf in the South and East of Ireland ISSUEFIVE www.clubchoiceireland.com

Fáilte to some of Ireland’s best kept golf secrets Club Choice Ireland is an Alliance of Resorts, Hotels & Golf Clubs coming together to offer you Tailormade golf packages to Ireland.Welcome to the fifth issue of our Golf in Ireland publication. Each month we will be showcasing all of our partnering courses, hotels and packages with The Zone Golf Magazine.We are dedicated to providing a quality golfing experience and with a wide variety of links and parkland courses we can offer a range to satisfy any level of skill. Value is at the core of our product and all our partners have provided packages that simply won’t be beaten.No hidden extras, no commissions, no third parties! Not only do we have a variety of Accommodation, Courses & Locations to choose from but with our travel partner Stena Line having regular ferries from Holyhead and Fishguard, getting here is the easy part… Choose Club Choice! www.clubchoiceireland.com

ON THE TEE THIS MONTH WEXFORD AND CORK CLICK THE LINKS BELOW TO GO DIRECT TO EACH SECTIONWEXFORD STAY at St Helen’s Bay Golf Resort FROM ONLY PLAY St Helen’s Bay and Rosslare Golf Links £190 Package includes 3 bed and breakfast, 2 golf, dinner and return ferryCORK STAY at Lee Valley Golf and Country Club FROM ONLY PLAY Lee Valley and Cork Golf Club £245 Package includes 3 bed and breakfast, 2 golf, dinner and return ferrywww.clubchoiceireland.com

WEXFORD ST HELEN’S BAY GOLF RESORT ST HELEN’S BAY THE COMPLETE GOLFIING EXPERIENCE IN A STUNNING SETTING St. Helen’s Bay Golf Resort has since 1993 developed into Wexford Coastline and superb one of Ireland’s foremost golf on-site accommodations, players destinations. are guaranteed an enjoyable golfing experience. With a challenging 18 hole Just a stone’s throw away from the championship golf course, Rosslare ferry terminal, St Helen’s panoramic views of the South Bay Golf Resort and is ideally4 THEZONE / ISSUE 25

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ST HELEN’S BAY GOLF RESORTWEXFORD situated as either a starting or It may not have the length of finishing course on a golfing its Californian counterpart tour of the southeast. – or the temperatures – but Ryder Cup hero Philip what it does have in common Walton took the challenge is a fantastic sea view and a of forging a stern golfing test sweeping left-to-right fairway from the mixture of parkland to a small green guarded by and links. the ever-present Cordyline The finishing holes enjoy a trees. dazzling crescent of beach St. Helen’s Bay has always and sparkling sea which been a favourite for visiting accompany the fairways all groups as it has everything a the way home. travelling golfer would need The 18th that in many ways on-site. is reminiscent of the 18th at St Helen’s offers cottage style Pebble Beach. self-catering accommodation, located adjacent to the6 THEZONE / ISSUE 25

WEXFORDgolf course, pro shop and to our guests include tennis CLUB EVENTSclubhouse which includes’ a courts, driving range andfull public restaurant & bar. children’s play areas all within Click here for informationThese facilities are all a walking distance.stone’s throw from our sandy Whether we are just a CLUBHOUSEbeaches and have stunning convenient stopover orviews of the South Wexford your final destination, we Our Clubhouse facilitiesCoastline and Tuskar Rock offer good food, a relaxing include:lighthouse. atmosphere and a warm • Full Public Bar & RestaurantAdditional facilities available “Cead Mile Failte”! • Private Dining Area • Function RoomTHEZONE / ISSUE 25 • Members & Adults Private Bar • Ladies & Gents Locker rooms LOCATION St Helen’s Bay Golf Resort is located just minutes from the main ferry port at Rosslare. St Helen’s Bay Golf Resort Kilrane, Rosslare Harbour Co Wexford, Ireland 7

WEXFORD An excellent test of true Irish links golf ROSSLARE GOLF LINKS8 THEZONE / ISSUE 25

ROSSLARE GOLF LINKS WEXFORDTHEZONE / ISSUE 25 Welcome to a Unique Golfing Experience. Rosslare Golf Links is the hidden gem of Irish Links Golf Courses. Situated in the sunniest part of the country, on the extreme south-east coast, it stands on a narrow peninsula with the Irish sea on one side and the huge expanse of Wexford harbour on the other. The dog-leg par 4 first begins a round that has many golfing highlights, the par 5 seventh, the famous “Barber’s Pole” index 1 par 4 eleventh, the short par 4 thirteenth and the devilish par 4 sixteenth eventually leading to the long narrow eighteenth are just some of the highlights Opened in 1905, the vista that greets the golfer on the Rosslare golf links has a capacity to 9

WEXFORD ROSSLARE GOLF LINKS enthral the onlooker. Generations of FACILITIES visitors have witnessed the sea in all its moods. • All Weather Golf Range From the golf course, looking • Well Stocked Golf Shop northwards, one can observe the seas • Full bar and restaurant building up on the Dogger Bank at facilities available from the entrance to Wexford Harbour. 10.00am each morning. Famous for its flora and a fauna Extensive bar menus are those with an interest in wildlife available throughout the day. will find this Rosslare golf course an • Clubhouse snooker room. enchanting place. Situated within view of Rosslare's famous bird LOCATION paradise, the North Sloblands, many of the rare species of birds that visit Take the N25 from Wexford. this protected area are also to be seen Follow signs for Rosslare on the golf course. Village taking a left on to the Apart from the 18 hole championship R740. Take a left at the first links golf course measuring 6,800 T junction. Follow this road yards there is also a 12 hole layout going over two sets of railway known as the Burrow Course that tracks. At the T junction with opened in 1992. Strand Road take a left turn to Both golf courses are available to non- Rosslare Golf Club. members for a modest green fee. Rosslare Golf Club, Rosslare10 Co.Wexford, Ireland THEZONE / ISSUE 25

IrelandGolf in www.clubchoiceireland.comWEXFORDOther attractions in Things to do and see whille your here . . . Dublin Rosslare Golf Links WexfordWexford Opera Festival Click here to learn more Cork St Helen’s Bay Golf Resort The Irish National Heritage Park Click here to learn more WEXFORD Click here to learn more Dunbrody Famine Ship Click here to learn more GOLF PACKAGES Visit Europe’s oldest lighthouse 3 nights Bed & Breakfast, 2 rounds of Golf at eitherTHEZONE / ISSUE 25 course, 1 Dinner and return ferry crossing FROM £190PP 5 nights Bed & Breakfast, 4 rounds of Golf at either course, 2 Dinner and return ferry crossing FROM £305PP CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR TRIP ONLINE OR CALL US ON 0800 285 1490 11

CORK LEE VALLEYGOLFAND COUNTRY CLUB Play golf in one of the most is an 18-hole Championship Golf beautiful settings Cork and Course designed by Ryder Cup Ireland has to offer, stay in Legend Christy O’Connor Jnr and our luxurious four star holiday calls the spectacular setting of Lee homes or enjoy a warm welcome Valley in County Cork its home. in the Lee Valley Bar & Restaurant The facility was officially opened - whatever your reason for visiting by Christy and former US Masters us at Lee Valley Golf & Country Club, we will ensure it is an Champion Fred Couples. unforgettable experience. This Cork golf course is unique Lee Valley Golf & Country Club in design – with a Parklands-type12 THEZONE / ISSUE 25

CORKsetting that demands the skills yard layout packs a real punchrequired to complete a Links so it’s important not to get toocourse because of ever-changing distracted by the scenery, andlocal wind conditions. correct club selection and ballThe course affords the higher placement are paramount.handicapper an enjoyable day’s Lee Valley Golf & Country Clubgolf while offering a stern test has the proud distinction of beingto anyone looking to break par. included in the Golf Digest‘s TopWater is a prime feature on seven 100 Irish golf courses on no lessholes and the greens are arguably than three occasions. It has alsothe best in Cork. been chosen to host the 2013The first hole, from a raised tee, Inter Pro Championships, whenhighlights the majestic views and Ireland’s top amateur golfers willsurroundings more than any other battle it out to become All Irelandon the course. The par 72, 6800- Champions.THEZONE / ISSUE 25 13

CORK If you’re planning a golfing break spoilt for beauty and tranquility in Cork, Lee Valley is the ideal whilst staying at their Cork venue as we can offer breathtaking holiday home. Situated adjacent views, superb golf, great food and to the Clubhouse, our guests can a luxurious stay – all at great value enjoy all the facilities at Lee Valley prices. Golf & Country Club as well as Lee Valley boasts twenty Deluxe being a 15-minute drive away four star Holiday Homes available from Cork City. for rental all year round. With high quality fixtures and Set overlooking the course and fittings, our homes are an ideal with panoramic views over the location for families and golfers rolling countryside, residents are alike.14 www.clubchoiceireland.com

LEE VALLEY GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB CORKBlessed with the ideal location FACILITIESto suit everyone’s tastes, LeeValley can offer accessibility to • Practice Putting Greeneverything from sight seeing and • Full Clubhouse Facilitiesnature walks to family activities • Professional Shop,and Fun Parks – catering for every • 4 Star Deluxe Self Cateringage group and taste. Holiday CottagesIf you are looking to rent a holidayhome in Cork, our houses are LOCATIONideal for long rental periods, shortstays, family self catering holidays, Located only 15 minutesgolf holiday or a city break. from Cork CityTHEZONE / ISSUE 25 Clashanure, Ovens, Co. Munster. 15

CORK CORK GOLFCLUB Cork Golf Club is located at Little Island close to Cork A world class golf course, Cork City, this championship Golf Club was Founded in 1888. golf course is routed through In 1927 the course was redesigned by the Augusta National designer, exceptional golfing terrain, Alister MacKenzie. incorporating an old limestone quarry and the inner reaches of Cork Golf Club maximizes on its Cork Harbour and Lough Mahon. varied landscape offering a distinct course layout. The underlying The resulting effect of these features limestone creates excellent gives golfers a unique opportunity natural drainage and a ‘links’ type to experience a challenging and environment on some holes, with rewarding round of golf on one alternate lush parkland on others. of the finest parkland courses in Ireland. The river, with its ebb and flow, plays a major role on the 3rd, 4th16 www.clubchoiceireland.com THEZONE / ISSUE 25

and 5th holes. Spectacularly, the CORKsteep chasms within the old quarrypresent an unforgettable golfing 17experience that will thrill andsurprise you.An Irish golf course that has beenplayed my world famous golfingprofessionals – Cork Golf Club hashosted several major Amateur andProfessional Championships overthe years, including the Irish Open,Irish Professional Championships,Irish Close Championships andthe National Finals. Notableplayers who have played hereinclude Harry Vardon, HenryCotton and Seve Ballesteros. TheClub continues to be at the fore ofthe Irish Championship GolfingCalendar.With a vibrant membership andexcellent clubhouse facilities, CorkGolf Club welcomes all golfers,individual visitors, societies andcorporate groups and all thoseseeking golfing excellence inIreland.2013 is a very special year forCork Golf as they celebrate twomajor occasions; our 125thAnniversary AND the 30thAnniversary of the memorablevisit by Seve Ballesteros in 1983.Cork Golf Club is a championshipIrish course, as graceful andmature as its age would suggest.Scenically situated in CorkHarbour, the Club has hostedmany major amateur andprofessional Championships overTHEZONE / ISSUE 25

CORK MORE INFO the years including the Irish section of the course is rich in Open. Built on free-draining gorse with a distinct ‘links-type’ Caddy Hire: Yes limestone, the course presents a feel. Course Designer: crisp heath-like playing surface At the sixth tee box, golfers Alister Mackenzie similar to links. Cork Golf Club will commence a fascinating Course Type: Parkland has many unusual features, not journey through an old quarry Dress Code: Neat, Casual least holes 6-10 which are set which plays as a major feature Holes: 18 in a disused limestone quarry. of the next 6 holes, right up to Par: 72 The scenery and variety are the eleventh green. The eleventh Practice Green: Yes an added bonus and they all is where the course begins to Pro Shop: No combine to make Cork Golf wind its way back inland to Course Distance: Club a true golfing challenge. re-join the rich parkland setting Championship 6,192m Classic parkland, studded with that greeted visitors on the first strategically located bunkers hole. LOCATION greets visitors on the first hole, For golfers, accuracy off the tee this changes dramatically by is vital at Cork Golf Club with Cork Golf Club, the third when the course several ‘carries’ over a variety Little Island, meets the River Lee. The next of obstacles. It may be a drive Co.Cork two holes are among the most over a cliff face, gorse cover, or challenging and take players a deep chasm – but it is sure18 along the river bank, with inspire all golfers and bring spectacular views of the inner them back another day to face harbour heading east. This the challenge! THEZONE / ISSUE 25

IrelandGolf in www.clubchoiceireland.com CORKOther attractions in CORK Things to do and see whille your here . . .Dublin Kilkenny Bantry House and Garden Click here to learn more Wexford Cork Cork Golf ClubLee Valley Golf & Country Club CORK Jameson Heritage Centre Click here to learn more Blarney Castle Estate GOLF PACKAGES Cork Gaol Click here to learn more 3 nights Bed & Breakfast, Click here to learn more 2 rounds of Golf at either THEZONE / ISSUE 25 course, 1 Dinner and return ferry crossing FROM £245PP 5 nights Bed & Breakfast, 4 rounds of Golf at either course, 2 Dinner and return ferry crossing FROM £365PPCLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR TRIP ONLINE OR CALL US ON0800 285 149019

Golf inIrelandCar-cation puts golfers in the driving seatAnyone planning a or as a family – starting, and the luxury of bringing the car-cation to Ireland ending, your car-cation with holiday essentials they need, this year need look Stena Line is the ultimate plus all the little extras like theno further than leading ferry stress-free option. kids favorite toys, a barbequecompany, Stena Line where A car-cation gives you the for alfresco dining, yougreat value is guaranteed as freedom to pack more in could even bring golf clubs,fares start from just *£79 for and to go where you want, bikes, surf boards, campinga single car and driver - so when you want. There is no equipment – the list goes on.get your motor running and hanging around at check-in The ship has indulgentget out on the highway for an and plenty of leg room and lounge areas to relax in andunforgettable four wheeled places to explore once on- delicious dining options toadventure. board means there is more choose from and with freeFerry travel is one of the most time for people to enjoy WiFi, plus free movies andrelaxing and unique ways to themselves. kids play areas there is lots toholiday - whether you are Stena Line has no baggage do on your journey across thetravelling as a group, a couple restrictions so people have Irish Sea.20 THEZONE / ISSUE 25

For great value Golf Packages, including Ferry, contact Club Choice 21Ireland directly on 0800 285 1490 or email [email protected] THEZONE / ISSUE 25