I will admit this is a selfish choice on my part. I have been lucky enough to play some of the great courses in Ireland, and many other parts of the world, but this 9 hole course in North West Ireland is a bucket list course for me and I wanted to share the reasons why with you, one of which is to play the 6th hole of this hidden gem.
This is not an easy access course (hence why I haven't played it yet - even TJ hasn't played it yet!!).
Located about 1hr and 15 minutes from Rosepanna (this month's featured destination), 2.5 hours from Portrush (a bucket list course many of you have in your plans to play) and 3 hours from Mount Falcon Estate (last month's featured destination), it is a bit of a trek to get there but a trek I ABSOLUTELY need to make sometime.
This 9 hole seaside links may very well be the best, and most hidden, gem of all hidden gems, and the 6th hole is its signature. Click the link to learn more about that hole, and the course in general, and if you're going to Northern Ireland, consider adding it to your itinerary - I will be next time I'm in the area!!
Ron
This is not an easy access course (hence why I haven't played it yet - even TJ hasn't played it yet!!).
Located about 1hr and 15 minutes from Rosepanna (this month's featured destination), 2.5 hours from Portrush (a bucket list course many of you have in your plans to play) and 3 hours from Mount Falcon Estate (last month's featured destination), it is a bit of a trek to get there but a trek I ABSOLUTELY need to make sometime.
This 9 hole seaside links may very well be the best, and most hidden, gem of all hidden gems, and the 6th hole is its signature. Click the link to learn more about that hole, and the course in general, and if you're going to Northern Ireland, consider adding it to your itinerary - I will be next time I'm in the area!!
Ron
Set on the edge of the wild and rugged Atlantic ocean, next stop America, this course offers unrestricted panoramic views that will take your breath away. A true natural 9 hole links course, golf at its best, par 68, where every shot must be methodically thought out.
Even though the course looks like it has been there for years, it was only designed and built in 1986 by Michael Doherty.
Even though the course looks like it has been there for years, it was only designed and built in 1986 by Michael Doherty.
Cruit Island is a magical clifftop course that overlooks the Atlantic from almost every hole and one of the few courses that doesn't need to be long to provide a great challenge and even greater experience.
| A mere 2,809 yards long, Cruit Island features 7 par 4's and 2 par 3's, one of which is the amazing 6th hole. This is a world class golf hole that is a terrifying par 3 of around 150 yards that plays over cliffs and the North Atlantic - it is undeniably the signature hole of the course. As with all links courses, the wind plays a major role on this hole. It can be played with anything from a wedge to a wood and will never cease to thrill any golfer. |
While the 6th is the signature hole, I am looking forward to experiencing the whole course. It is remote and it is wild.
It is a no fuss, no pomp and circumstance course by all accounts. – just a completely natural and mesmerizing place. Descriptions of the course talk about hidden humps and hollows that make a mockery of traditional shot-making skills.
It is said holes 4, 7 and 9 will utterly befuddle you with their flag-hiding ridges short of the green, while some fairways on the course twist so dramatically your trolley is likely to tilt over, and as for knowing where to hit on many of the holes,… good luck…
It is said holes 4, 7 and 9 will utterly befuddle you with their flag-hiding ridges short of the green, while some fairways on the course twist so dramatically your trolley is likely to tilt over, and as for knowing where to hit on many of the holes,… good luck…
| The course has always sounded like golf at its purest to me and the wildness and natural setting of the course, plus that par 3 6th, are pushing me to play it someday. |
In the end, perhaps the best way to understand this course (without being there), is this video from the official Facebook page of Cruit Island Golf Club. Enjoy the views and hopefully I'll be able to give my first hand account of the course soon!!
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