RosapennaHotel&GolfResort
A:SheephavenBay,Downings,
Letterkenny,Co.Donegal,
F92PN73
T: 00353 (0)74 9155000
Stats:
OldTomMorrislinks:par70,
6,450yards
SandyHillslinks:par72,
6,767yards
GF:€95perround,onlinerate;
€55perroundonlinerateavailable
fortimesbefore9am
ESSENTIALS
the beach at dusk
with the sky and
water flaming with
pinks and golds is
an experience that
will be imprinted
onto the memory.
Rosapenna is a
perfect venue for a
golfing break, not
only because the
accommodation
and setting are so good but also
because there are two brilliant courses
on site. The Old Tom Morris links is a
classic, as discussed, but the more
recently constructed Sandy Hills links
layout, sitting within the incredible
duneland between the two nines of the
Tom Morris, is even better.
A modern classic
It’s hard to believe the Sandy Hills links
is less than 20 years old – the Pat
Ruddy design opened in just 2003.
Carved through the dunes, this superb
layout has quickly earned a reputation
as one of the finest modern links in all
of Ireland. In fact, it was ranked 44th on
Golf Monthly’s most recent Top 100 UK
and Ireland Courses list.
From the outset, the challenge of this
tricky course is evident – you must find
the fairways. Dunes wait right from the
tee on the 1st, with a fall-away to the
left. Although it’s a short par 5 on paper,
precision from the tee, on approach
and, likely, on the third shot are key.
The green is some 40 yards long and
slopes strongly back to front. The slopes
and speed of the
greens on the Sandy
Hills links are quite a
feature and a deft
short game and
touch is essential if
you’re to negotiate
the testing green
complexes. It’s
definitely a more
severe challenge
than the Tom Morris.
The 2nd hole
demonstrates
another key feature
of this course: the
need for strategy
from the tee. This is
not a layout where
bludgeoning driver
is always the most sensible option. The
ground is firm and the slopes often
carry a running ball forward. With the
fairway narrowing dramatically on this
hole at the 250-yard mark, you must lay
up and then face a long second.
There are some very difficult shots to
negotiate here. On the par-3 7th, the tee
shot is played downhill to a firm green
with dramatic run-offs right and long. On
the par-5 8th, the approach is to a
raised green where anything short will
roll back some 40 yards.
But that’s not to say it’s unfair.
Carefully thought-out and well-played
shots will be rewarded. This is a real
thinker’s links course and one that
would be fun to play a few times, trying
to master its nuances and subtleties.
On the run-in there are some really
excellent holes, with standouts including
the bunkerless par-4 15th and par-5 17th.
The former dips and turns to the right
before climbing again to a sheltered
green. The latter offers a birdie chance
in prevailing winds, but with significant
slopes to a collection area right of the
green. It’s a daunting approach that must
be played with surety.
Pat Ruddy’s stunning Sandy Hills links
at Rosapenna is one of the great
examples of course design from the last
25 years. It makes the very most of this
dramatic coastal landscape, delivering a
superb variety of unique, memorable
and challenging golf holes. It’s tough,
there’s no question about that, but it’s fair
and it’s hugely enjoyable. Just like the
Old Tom Morris links and Rosapenna
itself, it’s quite simply a treat to
experience it. What’s more, work is also
underway on a new Tom Doak-designed
layout on the tract of land where the
dormant St Patrick’s Golf Links currently
sits – a course sure to enhance
Rosapenna’s reputation even further.
The 18th on the Old
Tom Morris with the
clubhouse beyond
Old Tom surveys
his creation