Ireland's Castlemartyr Resort Boasts New Golf Course

This spectacular golfing experience, like the Resort as a whole, is unique in its masterful amalgamation of old and new. The setting is classic Irish countryside, picturesque and tranquil. Dotting the grounds of the estate -- the seat of the Earl of Desmond and variously possessed by the Knights Templar, Sir Walter Raleigh and the first Earl of Cork -- are the ruins of a thirteenth century castle, a Gregorian chapel, a swan lake, formal gardens and orchards, and the seventeenth century Manor House itself, the centerpiece of this five-star resort. Complementing these historic treasures with its contemporary but respectful design is the stunning new accommodations, events, and spa and fitness wing.

As does its setting, the Castlemartyr Golf Club brilliantly blends tradition and modernity. Harkening back to golf's beginnings, the course was molded in the classic tradition of inland links, with natural shaping of lows and hillocks to create unpredictable bounce and lies. Low greens encourage bump and run play; together with recessed, sometimes hidden bunkers, these features make the Castlemartyr course a fun and creative experience for those accustomed to parkland course play. Even those highly experienced in links play will find it a fair challenge, however, once Course Superintendant Trevor Norris sets it up to – as he phrases it – "show its teeth."

The designer of this remarkable course, debuted in 2007, is world-renowned architect Ron Kirby, who has collaborated on courses all over the world with the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Robert Trent Jones. Among his higher profile projects are The Old Head of Kinsale, Mount Juliet and Castlemartyr Resort's sister property in The Dromoland Collection, Dromoland Castle.

Mr. Kirby's vision for Castlemartyr was a unique one, inspired by two facts: first, Ireland already had a plethora of fine parkland courses, and second, the links courses at Southport, Ainsdale and Formby, while close to the sea, have no sea views at all. Thus was born the idea for an inland links style course at Castlemartyr. Given that the site was formerly a sugar beet farm and pasture, however, draining, cultivating, resculpturing and landscaping would be required. To realize his vision, Mr. Kirby collaborated with Gene Bates Golf Design for the necessary technical support. The result: thrilling links-style play enhanced with the finest contemporary design and technology.

"I actually tried to make it a bit like Royal Aberdeen where there is constant movement in the fairways and I think I have achieved that," says the veteran designer. Lows and hillocks are covered with a range of native grasses; fescue and gorse provide a ragged frame for the holes while evoking the marine grasses of the nearby seaside. The greens are deceptively large; they also are the first in Ireland and the United Kingdom to incorporate PermO2Pore soil amendment to provide firmer greens and year-round play, including after rain and during the winter.

The course plays to a par of 72 over 6,800 yards from the back tees. But a few of the notable holes are long par 5 #8, a classic Kirby hole, and par 4 #9, which has a devious links-style burn running across the front of the green. The back nine has a delightful combination at numbers 11, 12 and 13, sited along the original walled estate gardens. Players are in for a surprise in trying to find the target with the third shot of the par 5 #11; hole 15 is a long par 5 of 570 yards with a dogleg left for interest; and golfers of all skill levels are wise to conserve energy for the long par 4 #18 hole with views to the ruins of the castle.

This harmonious blend of old and new extends even to course groundskeeping. Like the original link courses of old on which it’s modeled, the Castlemartyr Resort course respects the natural environment while using state-of-the-art technology to do so. According to Mr. Norris, the PermO2Pore treatment retains more of the minerals and other nutrients in the soil, resulting in lower fertilizer demand, as does the use of fescue, a native grass that is naturally leaner and hungrier, on the tees. (There are 40 hectares of tall fescue on the course in all, requiring harvesting once a year.) Fairways are not watered at all, and the remainder of the course requires only occasional maintenance irrigation.

Guests of the Resort – lovers of "The Great Game" and otherwise -- have one more delightful discovery awaiting them at Castlemartyr Golf Club: The Members Clubhouse. Not only is it the lair of the exceedingly knowledgeable PGA Professional Brady Sherwood, who stands ready to provide personalized coaching to players of all levels, it is also a design marvel.

Debuted in 2008, the Clubhouse is bold and contemporary while honoring its setting. Clad entirely in larch timber, the upper level is curved at the corners and cantilevered out and across into space to provide panoramic views of the eighteenth hole. The restaurant and large bar reflect a sense of place with large print images chronicling the age of golf, yet feature an airy, modern decorating style that takes full advantage of the large, glazed window-wall and welcoming outdoor terrace. The ground floor with its sweeping timber-clad canopy houses the golf pro shop, changing areas and additional lounge for female guests.

Golfers seeking to explore more of western Ireland's playing challenges will find Castlemartyr Resort the perfect home base for outings to other unforgettable courses. These include the Resort's sister property in The Dromoland Collection, Dromoland Castle, as well as Old Head, Fota, Kenmare, Ballybunion and Doonbeg.