Dooks sits amidst Ireland’s most beautiful and enchanting setting. The views are of the 360 degree variety, across the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, the Dingle Peninsula and the waters of Castlemaine Harbour. The golf course, you’ll be pleased to know, is every bit as exciting as the scenery, sliding very gently down over bumpy terrain to the sea. It may not – inexplicably – carry the reputation of the big Co. Kerry links courses, but Dooks is unadulterated fun and, following its 125th anniversary in 2014, it has added some highly professional touches. Dooks also now boasts some of the best greens in Ireland.
There is a slight air of idiosyncrasy to the course, thanks to holes designed by the members back in the late 1960s. And even though Martin Hawtree was brought in to make more professional revisions in 2005, some of the quirky character remains. On a links which might be considered a bit short (Par 71, 6,327 yards, white middle tees), such character is crucial. That said, the club has acquired 90 acres of dune land which will be used for new holes in the near future.
By Kevin Markham, Editor - DG IRELAND 2019