Headfort Golf Club (Championship)

Headfort is set in part of the former Headfort Estate on the outskirts of the heritage town of Kells. In the 8th century, the most important religious manuscript, The Book of Kells, was housed in the nearby monastery where it remained safe for 200 years. In 1007, disaster struck when the book was stolen, though thankfully, the priceless manuscript, containing illustrations and transcriptions of the four Gospels, was recovered. It is now kept locked away in Trinity College, Dublin.

The Headfort Golf Club was established in 1928 and it's a mere youngster compared with the Book of Kells. The original course, now called the Old, quickly developed into a fine but subtle parkland test.

In 1998, the club purchased a piece of adjoining land stretching beyond the River Blackwater and they commissioned one of Ireland's all-time favourite golfers, Christy O'Connor Jnr., to design a second course, which opened for play in 2001 to rave reviews. The Championship course is a layout that harmonises with the land but, at the same time, has a modern feel. It makes maximum use of its fine trees and natural undulating features - there is also water aplenty and numerous strategically placed bunkers. Although the Old course has hosted PGA Championships, the Championship course is the tougher of the two, measuring more than 7,000 yards from the back tees. The SSS of 75 says it all.

Headfort is set quite beautifully and is renowned for its majestic native trees. Thanks to the Headfort family and their horticultural expertise, this really is a charming walk in the park.