Portmarnock Golf Club, is arguably the most distinguished club in the Republic of Ireland.  A private members club that has a proud history and is built on the traditions of the game but at the same time is most welcoming to the visiting golfer.  I recently played the links on a soft April day in short sleeves and enough of a breeze to really add to the challenge.  A recent spell of dry weather has left the links firm for this time of year and downwind you need to allow for the ball rolling out.  This is fine as the greens at Portmarnock are vast, but you do need to have a good feel for distance and hit the right sort of approach to get it close.

Portmarnock is consistently ranked in the top 100 in the world and in the top 3 courses in the whole of Ireland.  It is a strong layout calling for accurate driving and a tidy short game.  With very few exceptions (tee shots at the 5^th & 12^th) what you have to do is out in front of you.

Work is nearing completion on a new green at the first.  It adds a new dimension to the approach shot as the green has been reset bringing it set closer to the water on the right.   They have also removed some trees at the back of the green which will expose the hole more to the wind.  A rough management program has recently began, allowing a little more margin for error from the tee than before, this is intended to please both the members and visitors alike as the rough was really penal last summer.  I think the only person not too happy may be Joey the Club Professional, ball sales were strong last year!

For those you visiting Portmarnock this summer you are in for a treat.  Further reading on Portmarnock can be found on this article.  Click here.