Moyvalley - Kildare - Ireland

Moyvalley Hotel and Golf Resort is located about a 40-minute drive to the west of Dublin and the course is draped across part of the 550-acre Balyna Estate where the historic Balyna House – a gorgeous 19th century Italianate mansion – provides a magnificent backdrop.

Andy Newmarch caught up with Rob Coles shortly after his win at Moyvalley and asked him a few questions: Q What did you think of the condition of Moyvalley A It was in great condition and the greens were very good to putt on all week. Q Which were the most challenging holes? A I thought the last three holes were the strongest and provided a good finish. Also the 7th and 12th are both good holes. Q How much can you take forward from the Moyvalley win? A It was just great to win, it gives you confidence if you get in that position again. Q Can you place your favourite Top 3 worldwide courses in order? A 1st Royal Lytham & St Annes, 2nd Royal Melbourne, 3rd Sunningdale.

“I’m especially delighted with the greens,” commented Clarke on his first foray into golf course design, “which are among the best putting surfaces in the country. We created gentle slopes which will make players think about where to place their approach shots, especially when the greens are fast or in windy conditions.” Moyvalley opened for play in 2007 and the course is already considered to be one of the best modern tracks in the Dublin area.

If you are looking for tradition then steer clear of Moyvalley, but if you are seeking a challenging and strategic test on a golf course with truly outstanding playing surfaces, then look no further. A parallel exists between Moyvalley and The Grove in England. Each course is topographically challenged with little in the way of elevation change but each course has been nicely shaped, is a real test and is perfectly manicured.

As with many open country courses, Moyvalley relies on swaying fescue grass for its definition and you can expect a windy test. The free-draining site is open and exposed and the wind whips across the 7,370-yard layout which routed in two 9-hole loops that return to a stunning clubhouse that boasts panoramic views across the courses from three sides.

There are a number of good holes at Moyvalley but none is better than the incredible 602-yard closing hole that is surrounded by water. It requires a precise approach shot to a pristine green that is jealously guarded by a lake to the left and a huge anvil-shaped bunker to the right.

In November 2015 it was announced that Christy O’Connor Jnr has been appointed to upgrade and develop the course at Moyvalley. One of the first things on the Irish golfing legend’s plan is to plant two specimen oak trees on the opening holes as a signature feature, then the course will be re-branded “Twin Oaks”. No doubt further changes will be announced in due course, otherwise this upgrade could be nothing more than blarney.