Rick's Golf Course Features

Donegal is located in the extreme northwest corner of Ireland, in the town of Donegal, in the county of (you guessed it) Donegal. I had the privilege of playing about 15 rounds there in July 2004.


This is not one of the top rung courses in Ireland that get all the publicity (and traffic), but it is a great course none the less. In fact in November 2004 it was rated in the top 10 courses in Ireland by Golf World Magazine. The wind is a major factor, and it rained just about every day we were there. The rain comes in spurts off the Atlantic -- 10 or 15 minutes of rain that dries up before you know it.





It is often difficult to find a flat spot on the fairways, and you'll find quite a few blind shots. Even the easy holes are a challenge at Donegal.


The course at Murvagh is 7,160 yards, par 73 and is one of the longest in Europe. It winds its way through 180 acres of sandhills and carefully maintained fairways and greens. The sheltered bay, ensures that the course is playable all year round while the Atlantic Ocean provides weather to make the course a challenge to all golfers.


Lying in the bosom of Donegal Bay, this superb links occupies an elegant peninsula which is backed by the magnificent Blue Stack Mountains. "Hauntingly beautiful and an excellent test of Golf", is how Peter Dobereiner of the English Observer described it. The course is presented in two loops of nine where the fairways wind their way by the Atlantic dunes and the sage-green grasses of the bay. The course suits big hitters of the ball as the ever-present ocean breezes ensure that it plays long and challenging most of the time.


The par 3 fifth is called "The Valley of Tears", and it has proved just that for the golfer short on skill and nerve. Depending on the wind you will need anything from a six iron to 3 wood to reach the green perched out on the dunes.


Course: 7160 yards, par 73 (back tees)
Rates: 50eu in 2004

Contact:
John J. McBride,

Administrator,
Donegal Golf Club,

Murvagh,
Laghey,

Co. Donegal,
Ireland.


Secretary Office

Tel: +353 (0)73 34054
Fax: +353 (0)73 34377


Email : info@donegalgolfclub.ie

Web: www.donegalgolfclub.ie<br />