Whether you ’re an accomplished regular or only an occasional golfer, Laois is the ideal place to head off for a round. There are courses to suit everyone, be they high or low handicappers.
Golf in the county stretches back to the 19th century, with Abbeyleix having been founded in 1895. The Heath has the distinction of being one of the few courses in Western Europe formed over open heath land. If you feel like going a little further afield in search of the elusive par, there are plenty of options in the neighbouring counties.
Abbeyleix Golf Club
Abbeyleix Golf Club was founded in 1895 and was recently extended to 18 holes by course designer Mel Flanagan. It offers a challenging round to all abilities. It is open for full membership. Contact: Malachy Fogarty 057 86-31305. Society times, Contact:Declan Moore 087- 2416330.
The Heath Golf Club
Formed on open heath lands, this championship course incorporates three natural lakes and is noted for its rough heather and gorse furze, features which offer a challenge to all golfers. Contact:057 86-46533.
Mountrath Golf Club
Mountrath Golf Course was founded in 1929 and extended to 18 holes in 1994. Mountrath ’s lush fairways, excellent greens and well manicured areas will test the ability of all golfers. After their rounds, golfers can enjoy the hospitality of the cosy, friendly clubhouse. Contact:057 86-32558 (tel)/32643 (fax)
Portlaoise Golf Course
Portlaoise Golf Course has undergone significant development over the last two years and now includes a number of par 4 holes. The course stretches for 3,152 yards over its 18 holes and the par is 57. Contact:057 86-61557
Portarlington Golf Course
Once part of the Warburton Demesne, Portarlington ’s original nine- hole course is recognized as one of the most sylvan in Ireland. Founded in 1909 and extended to an 18-hole course in the 1980s, the course is still being improved and this year sees a major clubhouse development taking place. Contact:057 86-23044
Castle Barna Golf Club, Co. Offaly
It has a beguiling mixture of charming and seriously challenging holes and though there are many generous fairways across the course, wayward drives can be costly. Contact 0506-53384 |
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Esker Hills Golf &Country Club, Co. Offaly
Irish golf legend Christy O ’Connor Jnr is the designer of the Esker Hills course. Built on the sweeping esker terrain between Tullamore and Clara, the natural landscape boasts hills and valleys ideal for the location of a golf course. A 71-par 18-hole course, it provides a unique challenge for golfers. Contact:0506-55999
Birr Golf Club
The course was originally part of the estate of the Earl of Rosse, who still lives in Birr Castle, and its 18-holes stretch over 6,400 yards and the par is a challenging 70. Contact:0509-20082
Tullamore Golf Club
Tullamore Golf Club ’s course at Brookfield is a superb parkland course which compares favourably with the best in the country. A par 71 18-hole course,it is 6,500 yards long and it is suitable for golfers of all ages, and more importantly, all abilities. Contact:0506-21439.
The K Club,Co. Kildare
The K Club at Straffan,Co. Kildare is one of the top courses in the country and has hosted the Irish and European Opens. Contact:01-6017300.
Kilkea Castle Golf and Country Club,Co Kildare
Located in a beautiful setting at Kilkea Castle, Castledermot, near Athy, this club is hugely popular with golfers from both the midlands and the capital. Contact:0503-45555.
Killerig Castle Golf Club,Co. Carlow
Killerig Castle Golf Club, at Killerig, near Tullow, opened its front 9 last May and will host its first official competition over 18 holes this May. Contact:0503-63000
Mount Juliet,Co. Kilkenny
Mount Juliet is a spectacular course where the Irish Open has been played. Set in rolling parkland near Thomastown, Mount Juliet is a must for those who want to trace the footsteps of the world ’s top golfers. Contact:056-73000
Roscrea Golf Club, Co. Tipperary
Founded back in 1892,Roscrea Golf Club, Derryvale, Dublin Road, Roscrea, was a nine-hole course until 1991. It entered its second century as an 18-hole course and improvements are ongoing with planting currently taking place. Contact:0505-21130
Carlow Golf Club
Carlow Golf Club at Deerpark on the Dublin Road outside Carlow town is a fine par 72 course which provides a challenge to all golfers. Contact:0503-31695.
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