by M. James Ward with Michael Atkinson
17th Hole, 351 Yards, Par-4
"Lough and Legend"
Architect: Nick Faldo (Opened summer 2009)
So much attention is paid to the famed links courses that dot the Irish landscape.
Rightly so.
They are clearly noteworthy but the quality of the golf also exists inland. In 2027 the Ryder Cup matches will return to Ireland for the second time when it will be hosted at Adare Manor.
Located in Northern Ireland, it is one of the country's most comprehensive golf retreats – Lough Erne Resort.
The sheer totality of the various offerings, in concert with the total seclusion were clear reasons why the facility hosted the G-8 conference of world leaders in 2013.
The golf features a mix of land movements in the routing. The first several holes are on mainly flat land before you make a quick ascent when reaching the par-5 6th.
At that point the course becomes a rollicking adventure through the countryside.
The design includes an interesting mixture of five par-5 and five par-3 holes.
The round concludes with three consecutive holes aligned the shores of Castle Hume Lough.
The penultimate hole plays 351 yards from the championship tees and at first glance would seem to be easy fodder for a quick birdie.
Think again.
The presence of the water along the right side of the hole will thwart many opting for the boldest of plays. One has to keep in mind a series of fairway bunkers that push in from the left. The carry on the second left bunker is approximately 290 yards.
Players have to decide at the tee on the type of aggressive or conservative play that works best for them.
The wind pattern is usually from the southwest. Generally, that will mean playing the hole with a cross wind from right-to-left from the tee and as you approach the green. The wind becomes more noticeable as it travels across the ripples of Castle Hume Lough.
Those able to drive long and straight can be left with a short pitch to a green that sticks ever so much into the water.
Those laying back face a longer approach into the 750 square meters target.
The green itself provides for a variety of twists and turns - nothing severe but always thought provoking.
The picturesque scene is highlighted by the close proximity of turrets and manor house.
Related: Grade "A" Architecture - Bobby Jones Golf Club
The Faldo Course smartly uses the available land and the routing takes you to all corners of the property.
"The 17th is a classic risk/reward hole – not overly long at just over 350 yards from the competition tees," added Barry McCauley, Golf Operations Manager at Lough Erne. "Do you decide to go for the green or lay-up for a short wedge shot as you approach? Water cradles the right side of the fairway and surrounds two-thirds of the green, testing the nerves of golfers hoping for a smooth finish to the round."
A par-4 hole need not have extreme length to be ever challenging. The 17th at Lough Erne demonstrates that superbly.
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