Old Head Golf Links, Kinsale - Book Golf Deals, Breaks & Holidays

Old Head Golf Links

The remarkable golf course is the creation of a team of divergent experts, including Ron Kirby, Liam Higgins, Dr. Joe Carr, and the late Eddie Hackett. Every single hole at Old Head is an absolutely remarkable experience, and has incredible views of the iconic lighthouse and the surrounding Atlantic.

The land itself boasts an amazing history, but for now its main attraction is the golf course, which is quickly establishing itself among the world's elite - playing Old Head as part of a Cork Tour will be an unforgettable experience.

For many the course starts off a little slowly with the par-4 1st hole a relatively simple two shot hole which plays away from the sea but you don’t have to wait long before finding a stunning view with the 2nd hole lined by the Atlantic Ocean just to your left. Many will argue that the 3rd and 7th holes are two of the finest par-3’s you’ll experience anywhere in the world, with the newly designed 13th hole offering yet another memorable short hole experience. All in all you’ll struggle not to enjoy Old Head, the course offers unforgettable holes throughout and if you get it on a calm, sunny day you’ll be in for a treat that can challenge any golf course in the world.

At over 7,100 yards off the championship markers, the course is certainly a challenging one off the tee but for those seeking a slightly easier experience you can enjoy the Blues at 6,860 yards, the Whites at 6,508 yards or the Yellows at 6,763 yards. The Red tees measure 5,150 yards.

Golfers heading to the 19th Hole will find themselves enjoying panoramic views across the course with a host of fantastic food ranging from fine dining within the de Courcey Dining Room to the popular Lusitania Bar.

STATS

Par: 72

Designed by:Ron Kirby, Paddy Merrigan, Liam Higgins

Opened for play: 1997

TEES

Black:7,159 yards

Blue:6,860 yards

White: 6,508 yards

Yellow: 5,763 yards

Red: 5,150 yards

Signature Hole – No. 17: Par 5, 623 yards (Black Tees)

The signature hole at Old Head is the 17th. The long par 5 plays at 623 yards from the back tees and demands both length and accuracy given the harsh slope towards the Atlantic Ocean lining the left side of the hole. As you drive towards the iconic Lighthouse, the braver golfers will try to keep left to give themselves the best approach possible but there is no shame in keeping right, especially with the prevalent sea breeze. One of the most picturesque holes on the golf course is both challenging and mesmerising and those who walk away with a par should be very happy.

Accommodation at Old Head Golf Links

One of the world's most spectacular golf courses is now complemented by 15 luxurious suites that combine the legendary Irish hospitality with a refined and relaxed atmosphere.

The Seaview Suites are opulence and elegance defined, and are bedecked in the finest furnishings and fittings. In addition to the space and comfort, the suites all benefit from balcony views of the famous Old Head landscape.

For the ultimate experience, indulge in the Presidential Suite, which boasts a separate living room and master bedroom. In addition to the exquisite marble bathroom, guests will also enjoy panoramic views of the iconic lighthouse.

The Old Head Thermal Suite and Spa offers the ideal chance to unwind and restore, where all the stresses and strains of every day life are gently washed away. The complex also offers a range of superb health and beauty treatments designed specifically for both men and women. Members and residents both have the chance of a serious work-out in Old Head's first class gym.

Features

Championship Standard Course
Pro Shop
Spa
Beauty Salon
Gymnasium

Old Head Golf Links Reviews

Clint

Bucket list golf October 2014

Playing a round of golf at the Old Head Course Kinsale is truly a memorable experience,worthy of inclusion in any golfer's "bucket list."

Many of the holes are spectacular and the Atlantic is regularly in play but it is a very fair test of golf. Indeed some of the holes are reminiscent of Pebble Beach. My favourite hole is the par 5 12th which runs along the cliffs, not least because it yielded me a birdie!

My advice to any first time visitors to the Old Head Course would be to employ a caddie, ours was extremely helpful in giving lines on the greens and full of information on the course and its origins. And make sure you walk out to the black tee at 18 under the lighthouse with your driver and take on the challenge...

The Clubhouse was well appointed and although we only had time for a quick snack, the service and food were excellent.

All in all a great day from start to finish!

Peter

A unique golf experience October 2014

This course cannot be compared with anything else, it is awesome, wild, weather beaten and in fantastic condition. We enjoyed our amazing day, as a four-ball off the black (back) tees, which was a tremendous challenge as an 8 handicap. The caddies, facilities and staff were very welcoming and helpful. The views are breathtaking. To single out special holes is difficult but for me they were the par 3 3rd set below the cliffs, the par 5 12th along the spine teeing off below the cliff line over the top and finally the par 4 18th. What a finishing hole! Tee off 100 feet below the cliff-top across 200 yards of ocean (off the black tees) and uphill to the club house.

My advice: use the tees for your standard, the blacks are awesome, dress for the weather but it changes quickly and be prepared for the slick greens. Well done Your Golf Travel for this life-time experience

Oliver

Great views and fantastic course October 2014

It is hard to believe that the photos of this course don't actually do the course justice. It starts off very slowly with a par-4 up the hill with little or no view of the sea, however the 2nd hole takes you right along the cliff edge with stunning vistas and lots of opportunities to lose a golf ball or two if you stray left of the playing surfaces. The 3rd is, in my opinion, one of the best par-3's I've ever played and I didn't even get past the tee! The small green is protected left and long by the sea, and with the wind pushing the ball into this large water hazard, my first attempt pitched on the left edge of the green, only to bounce off into the sea, my second attempt decided not to touch any land at all and sailed over the green and into the sea again, if we'd been playing a medal I might have run out of golf balls! The course gets better and better with the likes of the par-5 12th and 17th some of the most memorable you'll ever experience. The clubhouse is excellent with panoramic sea views, the service from staff was welcoming and can't wait to return. We flew into Cork airport and it was only around 30 minutes drive to Old Head through the picturesque town of Kinsale.

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Old Head Golf Links

Old Head Golf Links

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