Thanks Donal...
I am back visiting many of these courses in September... Two courses I haven't seen are North-West and Dunfanaghy....
I have the first scheduled in but probably do not have time for the second... Could you compare and contrast for me Donal?
Ally
Ally,
I haven't played North West since about 1985, but have played Dunfanaghy many times since then. In my opinion, Dunfanaghy is a better course for a number of reasons.
Dunfanaghy is a traditional out-and-back layout. You may have an easy first 6 holes if wind assisted, but the back nine will be tough. If the wind is against going out, you'll find it a stern test. Although the central 8-9 holes at Dunfanaghy are on relatively flat ground, the 4-5 holes at either ends are good. The one negative Dunfanaghy has is that it is considered short. It is, but its 5300 mtrs is always a good test when the winds blows.
The first few holes are unspectacular, but still reasonably good. The 4th is a par 4 with a river running across 50 yards short of the green. This comes into play when the wind is at your face. The 5th is a short par 4 on flattish ground, but the green and surroundings are wonderfully undulating. The 6th is a tough par 4 rising gradually up to the end of the course. After a short climb to the 7th tee, you are presented with a breathtaking view of the whole course. The 7th is a lovely bunkerless downhill par 3 of 209 mtrs. The 8th is a par 4 with a blind drive followed by a short pitch to an elevated green. The 9th is a short par 3 across the inlet (see picture E above). The 10th hole is a drivable par 4 of about 280 mtrs, but one must cut across the beach and avoid 3 bunkers in the landing zone. The stretch from hole 5-10 is perhaps the best on the course, but 13-17 is pretty good too. The 11th green is a bit like the 5th green.
There are a number of streams that cross several holes (1st, 2nd, 4th, 11th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th). These tend to be more of a problem to short hitters, and this is one reason why higher handicappers can struggle at Dunfanaghy.
I will try to start a photo tour of Dunfanaghy in the next day or two. I'm sure it will persuade you to include Dunfanaghy in your intinerary.
NW is quite flat and has suffered from coastal erosion; a number of holes had to be wedged into the southern end of the course. I remember these holes as being poor, and not having much of a links feel to them. The holes that were unaffected by the erosion are solid, but not spectacular. NW also lost a lot of length as a result of the erosion; I think it's about 6000 yds long these days. I can't say much more than that as it's been such a long time since I played it.
Jeff Warne played both courses in May, so hopefully he can give his opinion. He might be biased as he scored a HIO at NW, shot 69 in a gale, and went on a bender for the rest of the evening
