This par 70 course is beautifully situated in Co. Sligo, with the historic Knocknarea mountain to it's east, beaches to both the south and the west, and Strandhill itself to the north framed by Benbulbin mountain. It's just about as friendly a Golf Club as can be found.
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Green Fees are already very reasonable, but using any of the special offers available will make a visit exceptional value.
********* COURSE GUIDE *********
The course starts out with a Par 5 that plays downhill from the tee. The approach is guarded by bunkers before the sunken green, but is reachable for most in two.
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On the second, take dead aim at a right pin, or aim left for the left and centre pins.
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The third has banks on either side of the green that can be used or avoided.
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The 4th is all about the second shot. High ball flight will aid you here. If not, this raised green has a useful back-stop. Avoid the hungry front bunkers! This green is fast and subtle.
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If you are not used to links golf, driving the 5th looks intimidating, but isn't really. Aim is the left edge of the clubhouse for long hitters, right of the equipment shed for shorter tee shots.
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The 6th & 7th are both 3-club greens, so pay attention to flag placements.
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On hole #8,an iron or fairway wood is usually sufficient to set up a shot to an easy green.
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9 - what-you-see-is-what-you-get.
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Ten has a tough green, uphill putts are often slower than they look. Downhill putts are extremely fast.
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Hole 11 often better rewards a punched approach for the mid to high handicapper. Stroke Index 17.
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On the 12th avoid the bunkers on the left off the tee, and the two left and right of this large green. There is a huge drop-off on the back half of this green if you over-club.
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A signature hole, the thirteenth. A blind tee-shot over the highest point of the course, the hole the dog-legs to the right to the narrowest of entrances. Surrounded by massive dunes on the sides, and a smaller one at the back of this very small green. Enjoy!
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Pick the right club to reap your rewards on the Par 3 14th.
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At the 15th, the wind will dictate your strategy. A hugely elevated green that repels long and short shots.
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The 16th is a long straight Par 4 that, though downhill, often plays into the wind. Keep the drive straight and take a good look at the pin - the back tier requires much more club than a front pin.
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17 has no bunkers, and will accept high shots. Running the ball onto the green, aim to the left or centre-left.
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18. The home hole is long, and the uphill second shot plays much longer than its yardage. Avoid the OB at the equipment shed. Aim your 2nd well right of the flag, even right of the green. Tough finishing hole, SI 1.
********* END OF COURSE GUIDE *********
The greens are the best that I have played on anywhere, any time of the year. The practice green is excellent, as is the practice bunker. The practice fairway is fine for generally up to a 5 iron. Chipping areas are sadly neglected. Owing to the lack of space, longer shots are reduced to being taken in a driving cage.
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All in all, a fantastic day out to be had here.
Date Tuesday, 10, August 2010
