Mount Wolseley

The Mount Wolseley course is located within a 2,500-acre estate in County Carlow. The property has been developed to include, in addition to the 18-hole championship course designed by Christy O’Connor Jnr in 1995, holiday lodges, private residences and a hotel with sauna, steam rooms, swimming pool and gym. Mount Wolseley House was constructed in 1864 and is the centerpiece of the estate.

With a par of 72 and a total length of 7,106 yards, Mount Wolseley is a very demanding parkland course where only the really big hitters will be teeing up from the championship markers. Water features on more than half the holes, including five of the first six on the course. Many greens are multi tiered and difficult to read. Eight of the ten par fours are in excess of 400 yards long so that in itself tells you how tough this course is.

Three holes are worthy of review. Firstly, the 345-yard 4th is the shortest par four on the course but one of the toughest and an accurate tee shot is required followed by a short iron across a lake to a green that slopes away towards the water. Secondly, the par three 11th, measuring 207 yards from the championship tees, demands a precise long iron or wood across water to a two tier green that is very tricky. Lastly, the 413-yard, par four, 18th is a great closing hole where an approach from the oak tree lined fairway must be played up hill across a water hazard to a putting surface overlooked by the hotel gallery.

There are three practice holes behind the clubhouse maintained to the same standard as the regular holes on the course so there is no excuse for not being warmed up before starting out on a round at Mount Wolseley.