Undoubtedly, Cork Golf Club is one of Dr. Alistair Mackenzies' hidden gems. Also one of the best-hidden secrets in the south of Ireland.
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Cork Golf Club was formed in 1888 and had plenty of heritage and history involved. After the first world war, it was decided that the golf club needed a full overview, and the most celebrated and creative architect in Britain was brought in to remodel the course.
Alistair Mackenzie was already a well-known name in the game and had just completed Royal Melbourne and Augusta National.
The design took on his signature undulating greens, large well-camouflaged bunkers, and substantial contouring in keeping with the land's natural lie. In 2013 the Hawtree Ltd company that completed the finest links work on earth completed a fantastic remodel of the classic layout.
Today's course measures 6,813, and the championship parkland courses are one of the finest in the area.
The gentle opening to the course allows many great opportunities to make a birdie or two. It isn't until the fourth hole where things get a bit more tricky. The fourth is a mid-length par 4 that offers a fair amount of risk and reward (another of Mackenzies' famous trademarks) The 5th has a green cut into the river and from the putting surface, you are set to see the very best views on the golf course.
What is very good about Cork Golf Club (And All Mackenzie designs in all honesty) is the ability to create so many variables. No two holes play the same, and there is an excellent mixture of yardage to work around. You will likely play every club in the bag.
Par 3's challenge sloping greens and hazards to ensure making par is a challenge. The par 4's mix in distance and play based on the land in which the course was laid. The par 5's offer an excellent opportunity for scoring well.
We highly recommend Cork golf club for loyal fans of classic golf course design and the course is undoubtedly one to play on a south-west golf tour in Ireland.
