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Old Head, Ireland |
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Old Head Golf Links
Kinsale
Cork
Ireland |  | Joe Carr and Ron Kirby |  | Danny Brassil |
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 | +353 (0) 21 477 8444 |  | Cork to Kinsale, then on to Old Head |
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Golf Club Website
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 | Book in advance |  | John Dwyer |
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A number of people were involved in the creation of Old Head Golf Links: Dr Joe Carr, Paddy Merrigan, Ron Kirby, the late Eddie Hackett, Liam Higgins and Haulie O'Shea. The course opened for play in 1997 and it's laid out on a narrow headland, jutting out for two miles into the Atlantic Ocean. Old Head Golf Links has to be one of the world’s most exhilarating sites upon which golf is played. You feel as though you are on the edge of the world here at Old Head and if you suffer from vertigo, some of the tees might present a problem. Three hundred feet up, looking over the edge of the cliff, you will notice seagulls gliding below you. Atlantic waves crash onto the rocks, booming and echoing as they smash into the cave tunnels. It certainly takes your breath away.
Take some extra golf balls; you may well lose a few unless you are really on top of your game. There is little margin for error along the edges of the holes bordering the cliff-tops. The signs should be adhered to; they warn you off looking for balls for obvious reasons! Take note of the marker posts, or should we say “Stones of Accord” (the club’s logo) – they give you the right line for your tee shot.
Old Head really is a very special place indeed. The peninsular tells a lamentable tale, perhaps mourning the loss of life (many vessels sank in this vicinity). The Lusitania went down here too, in 1915, not because of the rocks, but courtesy of a German torpedo. Or perhaps it’s the spirits seeking peace from golf balls peppering their ancient burial ground at the approach to the 10th hole.
There are many memorable holes at Old Head, none more so than the 17th, called “Lighthouse”. It's a long par five requiring a bold second shot to the right-hand side of the fairway, anything left will leave a blind approach to the green that is nestled in a punchbowl on the edge of the cliffs. The 18th is a dramatic closing hole that should be played from the high back tee for maximum drama. Our favourite hole, is the do-or-die par five 12th – it’s one of the most outrageous holes in golf – whatever you do with your tee shot, don’t bite-off more than you can chew.
Anyway, we recommend that you dig deep and pay the green fee at least once. It’s unlikely you will play a more dramatic course anywhere in the world. | |
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If the above course review article is not accurate, let us know by clicking here |
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 |  | | Average Reviewers Score: |  | | | This and Spyglass Hill are my tw favorite courses in the World. Recreational Golf does not get any better than this. If you don't love this track you are not human!!!1 The cliffs, the views, the style the elegance. If I could play this course 5 times a week I would never tire of it!!!! |
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| 09 May 2013
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| | Played Old Head in 2007 and can say it was one of the best experiences I've had playing golf. The drive to the clubhouse and thru the "pearly gates" starts getting your juices going. The layout was very good, but not necessarily great. The condition of the course was excellent. What makes the course is the views. The only two courses that I've played that can compare views are Pebble Beach (which isn't quite as good) and Cape Kidnappers (in New Zealand) which is on par. The front nine is fairly tame and wide open. You can get away with some stray drives. However, the back nine gets a little tighter. The final 3 holes are as good as it gets. $350 American to play, but I'd pay it again in a heartbeat. |
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| 23 January 2010
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| Response: | | | Arch Underwood | 05 April 2012 | | The most scenic course I have played and I have played 12 of your top 100 and been to 4 others |
| | | Played in the middle of Sept 09 and had great weather. This course is Pebble on Steroids. I played Old Head, The European Club, Royal Portrush, Royal County Down, The Island, & Portmarnock. This course is No2 out of all of those. Great layout, esp the back nine. Great par three's and the best piece of land of this earth. The town of Kinsale has the best food in Ireland and the people are great. Stay at the Perryville house which I would highly recommend except for the small beds. Great staff, great food and drinks, and just a wonderful experience. Take a caddie and hit from the back tee's on No18 and see if you can reach the fairway. My friend aced No 7 !! This course should be higher ranked |
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| 15 October 2009
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| | Played a couple of times in July (was told this was the wettest July on record for Ireland, just my luck) - one in very nice weather (2 club wind) - one in ok weather (2 club wind with moderate to heavy rain). Agree with many, some of the best views, if not the best in all of golf. Also agree, thoughmany of the holes play hard and fast, clearly not a links course. I have a continual difficult time rating this one relative to other courses - l love the links style and rate RCD, Lahinch, Waterville and Ballybunnion the highest, but am I unfair to the golf at Old Head due to the spectalur views? How would 18 at Pebble Beach be viewed without the location? In any event, a grand experience and Kinsale is a great town to visit, particularly when there is live music in the central square. |
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| 26 August 2009
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| | Played on a gorgeous sunny day in Sept. Jaw-dropping scenery with some visually intimidating par threes and approaches to some longer holes. Accuracy is a must. Great welcome and pre-round talk of the history of the site, and excellent clubhouse. |
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| 05 December 2008
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| | Played this course two days ago on a windy October day, and it was fantastic. I never imagined a golf course could have views like this, and the pictures i took could never do it justice. Its one of these things that has to be seen to be believed. I knew all about the course when i arrived, but nothing prepares you for when you reach the tee-box of the second hole and you see the Atlantic Ocean hundreds of feet below you. Its life changing. The course itself was in very good condition with a mixture of holes playing downwind, into the wind, doglegs etc, but its hard to describe just how hard it is. The wind is strong on any links course but when you are this high up its a different animal entirely - you need to be on your best form and rely on a bit of luck to post any kind of a good score here. I didnt score well but i will always have my 4 pars that day to tresure. The two lads i was playing with had far more experience than me in playing some of the worlds best courses and they both agreed that theyd seen nothing like this before. Some of the holes are truely world class. The 4th hole in particular is my favourite hole in all of golf, but all of the coastal holes here are very very good indeed. I have heard people giving the course a hard time saying it wouldnt be a good track if its location wasnt taken into account. The fact of the matter is that its location and setting is unlike anything else in the world and this is what makes the course the gem that it is. The fact there they built a golf course on this bit of land in the first place is a miracle. It would be like saying that pine valley wouldnt be as good if it was located somewhere else - of course it wouldnt - its because of its setting amoungst the pines that makes the course what it is - Old Head is no different. Lastly, this course closes all winter and ive heard a roumer that its because God himself can enjoy a round or two, on this, his very own golf course. Old Head is a Must Play at all costs. |
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| 20 October 2008
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| | Just a fantatic experience. Save up and play it. I would rather play one round here than half a dozen rounds on some of the other courses in the Top 100. Just hope you get good weather! |
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| 22 July 2008
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| | As many of the other comments state this is a must play if you find yourself anywhere near it. It is one of the most stunning landscapes you'll ever be fortunate enough to swing a club on and the condition, facilities and welcome are all exemplary. |
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| 16 July 2008
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| | First of all, let’s have one thing clear: Old Head Golf Links is NOT a links and never will be. That being said, it is a wonderful experience that everybody should offer themselves at least once. I didn’t actually anticipate the peninsula would be quite that big, it actually looks like a clover, the course being on one of the leaves. There is surely enough space for another 18 holes!! Not sure the locals would agree though… In fact they could have had their 18 holes on the edge of the cliffs?? Because I didn’t think the “inland” holes were anything really special. Sure they are in wonderful condition, but put them on another location and they’ll look pretty bland. Or is it just the comparison with the rest of the course? Indeed, the “costal” holes are terrific (2nd, 3rd, 4th, 7th, 12th, 16th and 17th) with a special mention for the 12th which is surely the most incredible tee shot I have ever seen. For those holes, I would surely return any time. And if you like being pampered, this is heaven! Cédric |
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| 10 May 2008
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| If I ever return, I’ll take a fast speedboat to the far end of the headland on a moonless night, strap my clubs to my back, scale the cliffs, repel the myriad of staff attempting to keep me out of the sleek, ultra-modern clubhouse then - as I burst through its doors – there,  sitting beside the open flame fire in the middle of the lounge, will be one of the O’Connor brothers sitting in a deep bucket chair, stroking a white cat, cackling, “Ah, Mr. Bond, I’ve been expecting you…” Only joking, of course, but Old Head, with its lush tropical vegetation throughout the property, feels like a remote island somewhere in the Azores (on a warm day, admittedly) which once doubled as a location for old Cubby Broccoli 007 movies; complete with helicopters flying in and out too! It is virtual golf come to life on earth, a fantastic golfing experience that every serious player should sample at least once. Let’s get one thing straight though, it is NOT a links golf course - and never could be after so much top soil was trucked in during construction on its 180 acre site. However, the conditioning when I played on the second day of the season in April 2008 was second to none, with great attention paid to detail on the paths and steps around the teeing areas as well as the grass mounding and bunkering around the greens – several of which had been completely re-laid over the winter. Fairways are generally wide so handicappers of all abilities can score well. Breathtaking is the only word to describe the first view of the cliffs from the second tee but even this sight is surpassed when standing on the 12th tee, and my photos could never do justice to the panorama before me – definitely the most awesome hole I have ever played!!! Put aside the fractious arguments about public access to the course and be thankful that, if you are prepared to pay top dollar, you can pay and play here at all as it is simply the most stunning place to play golf. I’m so glad my week long trip to Ireland ended here on such a high. The only thing missing after lunch were the Bond girls… Jim McCann |
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| 10 May 2008
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| | Old Head surpasses any other golfing experience. The location has to be the most exhilarating of any in the whole world (and that includes the likes of Pebble Beach). Why is this course not ranked higher?? Are the rankings unduly bias to golfing tradition and given that it is only 10 years old it needs to grow a pedigree? I have played over 20 of the courses that sit above it in the Top 100 and many are made to look very ordinary compared to Old Head (Muirfield and Portmarnock being good examples). The layout of this course is perfection with seemingly the par 3's stretegically located at the most spectacular locations and many other holes beautifully hugging the cliff top with the the rest of the course falling around it. The 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 7th, 12th, 13th, 15th, 16th and 17th are so distinctive and incrediably spectacular and either nine could give claim to being the best stretch of golf anywhere! We will keep playing the Top 100, but i suspect that none will surpass this heavenly golfing masterpiece. |
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| 29 June 2007
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| | Played in June 2005- Gorgeous sunny day and an unbelieveable experience. It was so beautiful that it was hard to focus on the golf to be played. Some really interesting tee shots on this course and challenging 3-pars. Great place, would play again in a heartbeat. |
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| 15 March 2007
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| | The course has everything and continues to get better and better. I cant understand how the course is not ranked higher than it is. It is the most exciting golf experience on the planet. The course is over 7200 yards from the tips but plays just as difficult for the mid to high handicaps from the members tees. On a good sunny day its heaven... |
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| 09 February 2007
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| | I had heard and read a lot about Old Head before my visit and found the course to be much better than I had expected. The setting is incredible and some on the holes along the cliff tops are breathtaking. The piece of land is much hillier than you think and there are large undulations on many holes but the design has you playing downhill more than uphill. Many holes have a tee and a green and nature does the rest. Others are strategically bunkered. There is always a stone-built marker for your line. Four holes on either side of the promontory play right along the cliffs, two par 3s, two par 4s and two amazing par 5s, 12th and 17th. The 12th is a very hard tee shot off the back tee and would be unplayable in a strong wind. This is an experience worth having, a good course without being a great course, in the most amazing location and with a sumptuous clubhouse and levels of service uncommon in Ireland. |
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| 09 August 2006
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| | Oh my god! I have never been so scared over so many shots as here. This is so spectacular and so good. Old Head is fun, scary, exciting and a place that is totally un-forgettable. This is the most dramatic set of golf holes that I have ever played – so many great holes but my favourites would be the 4th, 12th and 17th – all with very nervous tee shots with cliff edges in sight. First time playing here, just forget your handicap…I got to 30 stableford points, playing out of my boots. It is not cheap, we know that but I tell you now, save up and just do it at least once – it has to be played. |
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| 03 August 2006
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| | I have mixed feelings about Old Head. It is certainly one of the most magnificent places to play golf that I have ever had the privelage to enjoy. The views are magnicent and the drop offs down to the ocean are stunning. However, I constantly had the feeling that if the views were different, and we took the golf holes at their face value without the visual effects, that the course would not be rated quite so highly. As others have pointed out, Old Head is not a links in the traditional sense and in fact reminds me of one those courses in Myrtle Beach that pretends to be a links course. Of course the setting here is so magnificent that this deficiency is overlooked, but to be honest the course can't compare to a traditional links like Waterville, Lahinch or Ballybunion (Old). That being said, I would not pass up the opportunity to play here. This is a once in a lifetime experience that everyone should enjoy. I'm glad I had the opportunity to play, but I doubt I will ever go back. |
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| 20 November 2005
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| Response: | | | Mike Apparicio | 08 December 2006 | | If that is your opinion of the course I have to respect it, as you are entitled to it. However, I am quite happy that you won't be going back, as that would allow someone else to experience the pure exhilaration of playing this magnificent golf course |
| | | The caddies say that Tiger Woods took 3 wood, 6 iron and pitch to the "signature hole" 12th. My colleague (Handicap 1) managed rescue club, 5 iron and 2 putts. Wonderful setting, in a very friendly part of Ireland. Stay in Kinsale, close to Cork Airport and give yourself a treat. |
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| 24 October 2005
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| | How this course is not in the top 10 I do not know.
Let's get the boring things over with first -
1) Yes, I know, it is not a traditional links with hard bouncy fairways and pot hole bunkers
2) Yes, I know, it is slightly more expensive than anywhere else in the region.
However, this is the most spectacular golfing experience you probably ever had. All I have to say is words cannot do it justice and seeing is believing. This course starts with a straight forward 1st hole to get you in the groove. From then on in the holes are truly breathtaking. I will never forget the feeling of walking from the 1st green and approacing the 2nd tee. The views are truley awesome.
As with any course some holes are stronger than others but hole number 12 is truly remarkable. Hole number 17 is just as strong and the tee shot on 18 from the black tees is again awesome.
In amongst all these holes are delightful and tricky par 3's that are literally run along the cliff face!!
When I was there the course was in immaculate condition and has a very nice club house and caddies to match
I was lucky that the weather was good and I can see how this experience could be ruined by the weather. But, it is a risk definitely worth taking |
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| 11 October 2005
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| | First played Old Head a year after it opened and condition was poor. Lucky enough to play earlier this month and how things have improved. Cliff holes are simply jaw dropping, 17th is one of the toughest Par 5's I have ever played. Awesome golf course that must be played, just do it and forget the cost. |
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| 08 June 2005
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| | Everyone should have the opportunity to play this course - quite simply a delight to play. I genuinely feel privilaged to have played here it's a shame the 250€ will mean many other won't - still, at least the greens will always be good! Lighthouses, cliff faces, oceans, castle ruins - it's like something out of a computer game, but the experience is real. The 250€ goes a very long way. |
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| 06 May 2005
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| | I played the course on 29th September in a South West force 4 which made life interesting. Dont be fooled by the straightforward 1st hole as then it's off to the cliff edge for the 2nd & 3rd.
Visually stunning throughout with views across the rugged coastline of West Cork, for me the best hole on the course is the 12th, the most intimidating tee shot in golf?
Worth every cent of the €250 I paid, book direct with the club to get the lowest rates. |
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| 04 October 2004
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| | This absolute stunner is still my number one. Yes, it's a bit pricy but it is un-parralled for class, scenery and all round enjoyment. Just one look at the visitors book will tell you that. Pebble Beach and Cyprus Point members stating that "our course is nothing like this". There are TWELVE holes were the sea comes into play and at the end of the round you will not find a better sea view from any clubhouse in the Kingdom. Stump up the £180.00 and go play it. Value for money 10/10. |
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| 20 September 2004
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| Response: | | | John Murray | 22 April 2007 | | Not sure what Kingdom you are referring to here. Must be mixing Ireland up with another country. | | | Jim Campbell | 02 November 2007 | | He means the Kingdom of Kerry |
| | | The course was only recently opened when we played it, there was no clubhouse and certain areas of the course were still bedding in but this aside we had an excellent two rounds of golf, and because it was only just opened we only paid 75 Irish punts for the day which included a lift in the head greenkeepers car to the nearest pub for lunch! The day was bright and totally still, unusual for that area of Southern Ireland! The course is a mixed bag of amazing holes, lovely holes and a few weaker holes but all in all a great course in an amazing location. Much use is made of the cliff line with a number of holes requiring tee-shots or approaches over or very close to a 200 foot drop! Is it worth the huge price that the owners now demand? For the spectacle yes, for the course I'm not so sure, but for the experience alone it should be considered. |
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| 10 September 2004
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| | This is the most spectacularly beautiful course I have ever played. As a test of golf, it is relatively straightforward if there is no wind and quite challenging if there is. We played it for 4 days running and the conditions were very different each day. Despite the expense, this is a worthwhile course. |
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| 07 August 2004
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| | A visual golfing feast bar none. Ridiculously expensive but worth remortgaging for just one round. The course itself is not that challenging for a low handicapper unless the wind is blasting. The sheer beauty of the course is very hard to match and each turn presents something special for all golfers. |
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| 01 June 2004
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| | Exciting, breathtaking, exhilerating, amazing location. The design is a bit random and doesn't flow well, but it has the wow factor. It has to be played to be believed. |
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| 02 April 2004
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