The two courses at Carton House are in sharp contrast to each other. It adds considerably to the experience of playing here. The Montgomerie, opened in 2002, was designed as an inland links and it certainly boasts many of the assets of a links: tumbling and deceptive fairways, deep bunkers and glorious greens. There are few trees on this landscape and when the rough is up, the course glows many shades of gold.
There is little doubt that the course is one of Ireland’s toughest – Monty designed it that way – so choosing the right tee and not trying to be heroic is the best place to start. From the white middle tees it measures 6,821 yards, but from the greens it is 6,365 yards. Gentle doglegs abound and with that dramatic bunkering you need to stay above ground to score well.
The 2005 and 2006 Irish Opens were held here so you know Carton House has every ounce of quality you could ask for.
Favourite Hole: the par three 17th, with its green below the tee and short of the river, gets most votes but the par five 18th, coasting above the River Rye, makes for a stunning finish.
What's in the Bag? Finesse needed around the greens. Avoid bunkers at all costs.
Click link to view full list of “DG Ireland Top 150 Courses 2016”:
http://www.destinationgolf.travel/dgireland-16/