CONNEMARA GOLF CLUB, BALLYCONEELY, CONNEMARA, CO. GALWAY.

DESIGNER: Eddie Hackett

YARDAGE: 7,270 yards

PAR: 72

SSS: 75

The Connemara Golf Course has a rather short history compared with many of the other golf clubs in Ireland. As recently as 1970, Eddie Hackett was commissioned with the planning of the 18-hole championship layout, and the course was opened in 1973.

The Connemara Golf links is bound on three sides by the Atlantic Ocean, while on the 'inland' side the golfer can enjoy an excellent view of the 'Twelve Bens'. The clubhouse, where the visitor can prepare himself for his round, is a fitting centrepiece for this impressive and demanding course.

The first 9 holes are laid out on relatively level ground; the holes which merit particular attention are the 7th, 8th and 9th. The second 9 holes are all longer than the first half of the course. The prettiest hole of the course is the 13th, where the golfer will probably be more fascinated by the view of the Atlantic Ocean and of the rest of the course than by his ball, which could therefore quite easily miss the narrow and well-defended green.

The way home from the 13th hole is a long one as the last five holes include three par 5's, all of which may prove decisive for the final score. All in all, the course offers an ideal challenge to all those who are determined to prove their skill!