Castlegregory Golf Links

Designed by Dr Arthur Spring in 1989, the routing takes advantage of a series of large dunes occupying most of the property, which are comparable to many great courses along the Irish west coast. Away from the beach and next to Lough Gill, the land is much flatter offering a stark contrast within a property of no more than 60 acres.

Castlegregory offers a 2,630 metre par 34 layout, with three par 3’s, a couple of short par 4’s, three medium-length par 4’s and the one par 5. Multiple sets of tees offer alternative yardages and playing angles on many holes. With ever-present winds coming off the bay, you’ll be tested with holes heading in all four directions during your round. The course starts peacefully along the waters of Lough Gill, before heading up into the dunes, back down to the flatter ground, then heading up towards the beach, winding through and over the dunes again for holes 5 to 8. The 9th hole returns to flatter ground at the base of several dunes to complete the journey. Brandon Mountain provides a magnificent backdrop to views from every hole across the course.

The course plays relatively wide, although a missed shot into the densely vegetated dunes will place you in serious trouble. Medium-sized greens with a slight tilt provide excellent putting surfaces and there are several plateau greens with steep slopes to the front and sides. Slightly uneven lies abound on the rumpled fairways and greenside recoveries are tested with some steep run-offs.

The tougher holes are dispersed throughout the round, keeping things interesting. The gentle opening par 5 1st precedes the difficult uphill 182 metre 2nd hole (all carry to a plateau green) and is then followed by the tempting 242 metre short par 4 3rd. Another long uphill par 3 at number 5 is followed by the opportunity to score at the 261 metre par 4 6th, before the brutish 393 metre par 4 7th.

A popular choice for the favourite hole is the 365 metre par 4 8th, with dunes on the right of the landing area, a small burn on the left and leading to a very elevated plateau green, an attractive target set in more dunes. Often with the breeze slightly against, par is well earned here. My personal favourite was the short par 4 3rd, tempting at only 242 metres, but with steep drop offs to the left to catch a pulled drive and three fairway bunkers to consider for a safer tee shot.

There’s plenty of great moments to savour, but the view along the beach once you arrive at the 6th tee is definitely the pick. 

Visitors coming down the west coast and enjoying Lahinch and Tralee should consider the short drive to check out Castlegregory, a real gem of a course in a relaxed, tranquil setting.