It's widely believed that most golf courses in Ireland, Scotland and England are not as lavishly landscaped as many U.S. courses. There, hosts of seaside links courses draw their character and beauty from their setting and history. Druids Glen is not your traditional links course, in fact, it isn't a links course at all. When compared to other premier British Isles and Irish golf courses, it is a mere infant.
The golf course, an inland parkland course, opened to much acclaim in 1995. Often referred to as "The Augusta of Europe," the flora and fauna of the Glen provide a magnificent and colorful backdrop to a championship golf course. It's forests and streams produce a haven for wildlife in what was once a home to the Druids of pre-Christian Ireland.
Within a surprisingly short time after opening, Druids Glen began hosting the Murphys Irish Open. It held the tournament from 1996 to 1999, and was the host venue for the Seve Trophy in 2002. Golfers of worldwide renown such as Colin Montgomery and Sergio Garcia, who recorded his first professional victory there, have conquered their foes at Druids Glen.
In Druids Glen, course Designers Pat Ruddy, designer of The European Club, and Tom Craddock have provided golfers with a thrilling golf experience, set amidst a beautifully manicured landscape. Voted European Golf Resort Of The Year 2005 by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, the par 71 course measures 7,046 yards.
The difficulty of the course is matched only by the difficulty in picking the best holes. Many players choose the 13th hole, a par four ranked as the toughest hole on the course. The 13th begins with an elevated tee to a fairway bounded by a stream on the right and forest on the left. Players with substantial fortitude can make a play for the green on the second shot, at great potential peril, as it must be played over water. Every hole at Druids Glen isn't as demanding as the 13th, but all are surely challenging and reflective of the Ireland in the minds eye of people who have never visited the isle.
Green fees at Druids Glen are typically the same for weekdays and weekends: €175 ($1US = € .54 IEP). With a member, the cost drops to €60. Visitors on their Ireland golf trip can also expect a great pro shop, great food, club rental and a driving range.
Combining golf at Druids Glen with a stay at the Marriot Druids Glen Hotel & Country Club can save money add five-star accommodations. Several Druids Glen Ireland golf packages are available for guests. For example, the Escape! Golf Package includes two rounds of golf and hotel stay for €243 per person, per night. Essentially, guests choosing that package get a five-star Irish hotel for around $100.
If time permits on your Ireland golf vacation, playing other courses may be the order of the day. Guests of the Druids Glen Marriot are within a short distance of Druids Heath (also part of the Druids Glen property), The European Club, Arklow Bay Golf Club, Wicklow Golf Club and Charlesland Golf Club.
An Ireland golf vacation doesn't get any better than the beauty and fantastic golf at Druids Glen.
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Alan L. Hammond - In addition to his Suite 101 Golf coverage, Alan is an editor and writer for SportsMD Media LLC, which publishes GolfersMD.com and ...
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