Killorglin GC is a par 71 parkland style outside Killorglin town, Co. Kerry, Ireland. It's about 30 minutes drive southwest of Killarney Town.
The course is 6,411 metres from the white tees, and comprises 4 par 3s, 10 par 4s and 4 par 5s.
The clubhouse sits high above the course with wonderful vistas over the Kerry Mountains and sea inlet. The fairways are lush and are kept longer than is good for ones best performance; given that drives don't carry as much in the fresher air conditions and there is little or no forward momentum upon landing. The course plays significantly longer in practice than the course/card yardages! I played the course on a windy day and this exacerbated the difficulty on what is already a challenging course layout.
Such bunkers that existed were mainly only reachable by the longer hitters! However the greens were generally well covered by awkwardly placed bunkers.
Fairways are moderately treelined. It was difficult to find the fairways off the tees plus I had a day where about a quarter of my tee shots pulled left into trouble.
The greens are mainly raised; are undulating and tricky to read; first time of asking. Pace and movement was difficult!
I played the course in dry windy conditions following on from persistent overnight rain. The course was in very good condition considering but I consider that even so the fairways should be cut shorter and should be more defined even at this time of year!
Course usage was very low on the day I played!
The pro shop was fairly minimal for a members golf club but the staff were helpful. I also had a post game full Irish breakfast for only 10 Euro, ie 2 of everything; toast, fried eggs, sausages, rashers, tomatoes, has browns, black 7 white puddings; and a pot of tea. Excellent quality and vfm.
The club is a local community based members club, with green fees significantly below their more prestigous county neighbouring clubs; eg Waterville, Hogs Head, Dooks, Killarney, Tralee; Ring of Kerry etc. I payed only 25 Euro at Killorglin. A reasonable rate.
I struggled with the playing conditions on the day and felt that the club's course maintenance policy doesn't operate in favour of the players requirements, however, I nevertheless thought the course was a good challenge and I enjoyed it very much. I would like to play it again on another occasion, perhaps during an extended visit; but certainly as a fallback option if other courses were not available.
Date Friday, 09, November 2018
