Rosapenna postcard....The Irish Norway
So far as I can gather, Sandy Hills is a complete Pat Ruddy design from 2003. It is easy to see why this part of the property was left vacant when Rosapenna was originally developed because the terrain is wild - too wild for top flight links golf. Additionally, instead of trying to soften the impact of the terrain, Ruddy often imparted a design method which heightens the difficulty; namely raised greens protected by sand. That said, if one manages to find the often constricted fairways, some of the driving zones act like funnels. Sandy Hills was
the the most visually stunning course on the property, but that has changed with the development of St Pat's. However, if it’s forgiveness you want, go to confession before teeing up. Sandy Hills reminds me quite a bit of a mix of Carne and Ballybunion's Cashen....quite severe. Between 2013 & 2016 Beau Welling was enagaged to reshape 12, 13 & 18 greens with the goal of improving playability. As part of the playability work some wider mowing lines were introduced and some greenside bunkers removed. These changes are noticeable and welcome!
Map of Sandy Hills.
The first sets the tone for the day, is like a bent bowling lane with shaggy, high bumpers on either side. However, the par 5 is possible to reach in two if one hits a good drive. The mowed out fairway line is also helpful! The green is above the fairway, which is a common theme throughout the course, and nestled between dunes.
The second is visually more intimidating the first...and more difficult. This 400 yarder looks like it will turn right when standing on the tee. Instead, the fairway ends and the hole essentially carries on straight to a lower section of the fairway. Like the opener, it pays to get a yardage in your head and play to it rather than blasting down the fairway. The bottom part of the fairway gently rises to an obscured green. Anything tugged left is god's country. I actually like the hole even though it is severe, but with the plateau nature of the green and the added bunkering it is like throwing dynamite on a guy lying dead with a bullet in his head.
The short third reminds me quite a bit of the 7th on the Strand 9, but a more severe version because there is no bank backing the green. Lord help the golfer that plays this hole downwind!
A left to right short two-shotter, the 4th plays to a fairway well below the tee then to a raised green. Below is the approach from the completely wrong angle; gthere is no earthly reason to be on the right side of the fairway.
The 5th is essentially a slightly longer version of the 4th. There is a preponderence of dogleg right holes playing down then up. I am not sure why the architect thought bunkers would improve the hole.
Now then, #6! Its in the same mould as 4 & 5, but jeepers, what an awful thing. The hole abruptly and blindly ends on the right, so much so that a lay-up for the blind tee shot is more than wise....other a hook is required. If one does choose to hit driver and gets the correct line the ball will motor down the fairway to short iron range for the approach. Its a shame the tee shot is so mickey mouse because the green site, while predictably severe, is without a doubt lovely.
I note that the front bunker was mercifully removed.
More to follow.
Ciao