Founded in 1885, Royal Dublin is Ireland’s oldest links. Its clubhouse sums up the quality and history embraced by the traditional out-and-back course routing at one end of Bull Island. There are no big dunes here – this is about the natural twists and turns that make bump-and-run links golf a joy to play. Low, subtle and often narrow fairways lead into exceptional greens… but be warned: the deep bunkers may prove your undoing.
You can expect a windy assault when you reach the turn for the prevailing winds that made the front nine play benignly will hammer you all the way home. Being able to hit low shots may be the only way to play this back nine, but take inspiration from the plaque beside the 16th tee. Christy O’Connor played the last three holes in five under par to win the Carrolls International in 1966, and the plaque marks the starting point.
Favourite Hole: The do-or-die dilemma on the 470 yard par four 18th (Index 3) makes this hole special. It doglegs at 90 degrees around OB, which threatens both shots (and your scorecard).
What's in the Bag? Low ball flight, most probably on the back nine.
VIEW THEM IN THIS YEAR'S DG IRELAND 2019 TOP150 GOLF GUIDE with Editor, Kevin Markham
