Golf Monthly UK – August 2019

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