Connemara is a unique links course fir Western Ireland.

Lacking the large dunes of many other Western Ireland links courses, Connemara instead plays more like many Scotland links. The front nine is a gentle handshake, mostly flat with less trouble both off the tee and into the greens.

The back nine on the other hand is a true test. The land has more elevation changes and almost all of the greens are elevated. Firm, elevated greens with lots of wind makes GIRs difficult to come by.

Highlights:

Hole 6, a long par three with striking ocean views, particularly around the green.

Hole 12 is a brutal long par 4, particularly if you’re into the wind. The approach shot in is one of the more intimidating you’ll face on any golf course as the green slopes severely away left to right and then drops off 25+ feet to the fairway both short and right.

Hole 14 is a risk reward short par 5. Into the wind is actually preferable as the additional backspin is the only hope of holding this green with a hybrid or long iron. The view from the tee box is sublime.

Hole 17 is one of the most unique golf holes I’ve played in my life, mostly the approach into the green. At least 70-80ft uphill from the fairway, trouble abounds in all directions. I opted to layup and have 110 yards in, playing 140.

The clubhouse is nice, the staff are friendly enough. The location is fantastic and the design is a nice entry in the Eddie Hackett anthology. Definitely worth the drive.