The Pines Course is very well laid out and includes hole maps at each tee so you have a fair idea of where you are (supposed to be!) going. The course is quite undulating so even if you hit a good shot keep your eye on it as a random bounce isn’t uncommon. The greens are a reasonable size and have been well tended too however the overall soil and turf construction isn’t what most UK golfers are used to.

It’s very sandy based and has wide, thick-leafed grass which “grabs” at your club and doesn’t give a lot of “run” on the ball so the green isn’t as fast as it looks. There is a fair amount of water hazards so take some extra balls!  The rough isn’t severe other than pine-straw under the trees but it still can be tricky finding balls.

At the starters hut ask if there is any work on the course – we had full scarifying running on the ninth hole while we were playing which we thought was a bit “off side” as the entire Dunes course was closed for renovation.

We hired buggies (€30) and where happy to do so as it was hot by the time we got finished (08:30-ish start) by lunch-time. Many folks used trollies (€6) or carried although it is a fair hike, so if carrying ensure you (1) have a light bag (2) pickup enough water at the starter’s hut. 

The hotel is the half-way house if you are that way inclined and the bar is good, well stocked and can provide sandwiches (nice!) as well.