Course of the Week: Ring of Kerry

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Lakes, mountains and valleys unite to make Ring of Kerry one of Ireland's best courses.

Immaculately maintained, Ring of Kerry is a layout to be savored by the connoisseur.

The view from one of Ireland's friendlist clubhouses and the ideal place to linger over a Guinness or two.

Ring of Kerry's 17th green

Far more than just a pretty face, Ring of Kerry is as challenging as it is good looking.

More: For a few ideas on how to incorporate Ireland into your golf vacation, click here Or call Golf International at 800.328.9898

Mar. 12, 2008
By David Brice, Golf International, Inc.

Is there a little bit of Ireland in all of us? Seems as though that probably is the case, especially around St. Patrick's Day when that little bit of Ireland takes on grander proportions than usual. Like no other country in the world, Ireland and the Irish hold a very special place in the hearts of Americans and at no time is the kinship that exists between us as much in evidence than every March 17th.

Granted, there are over 40 million Americans with genuine ancestral links to the Emerald Isle, which makes for a rather significant lobbying group, but there are a multitude of other reasons why this tiny country with little more than 4 million inhabitants has such an impact on this side of the Atlantic.

Whether it's the friendliness and hospitality that runs in the blood of the fun loving Irish, or the strong political and emotional links that have existed between Ireland and the USA for over a century, or perhaps some other reason, there's a special something that attracts us all back to Ireland sooner or later. For golfers the pull is even stronger

One of the many attractions Ireland holds for visitors is the spectacular scenery to be found throughout this small country. From the dramatic shoreline of Northern Ireland, to the rugged beauty of the west coast, to the awe-inspiring grandeur of the southwest, Ireland seems to have more than its fair share of good looks.

Nowhere is this scenic beauty as inspirational as around the Ring of Kerry, 120 miles of twisting, turning narrow roadway that sets out from Killarney wending its way through forests, past lakes, over mountains, through valleys and along the coast, eventually returning to Killarney again. There is no place better to gain a true appreciation for Mother Nature's handiwork, with every turn in the road revealing a more breathtaking vista than the last.

The idea of putting a golf course in the midst of such beautiful surroundings is not new -- the world-renowned links course at Waterville at the far westerly end, started out as a 9-hole layout in the late 1800's, though today's 18-hole course was formally opened in 1973.

As excellent a links as Waterville is, it's a 60 mile drive away from Killarney or Kenmare, where most golfers will be staying. A more recent addition to golf in these parts is a spectacular layout, far more conveniently situated. The Ring of Kerry Golf Club opened its doors and fairways to the public in 1998 and 10 years on, with the maturity only time can bring, what a gem it has become.

Surrounded by a picture postcard landscape of lakes, mountains and valleys, the location Irish course designer Eddie Hackett was presented with to perform his magic was outstanding. Hackett rose to the occasion, took the idyllic setting and produced a course befitting its surroundings and in grand style.

Measuring 6,923 yards from the tips, this is a roller-coaster of a layout with dramatic elevation changes, plenty of very interesting holes and views that make Ring of Kerry one of Ireland's most photogenic courses. The quality of maintenance is strictly top drawer and the greens as true as any on the Emerald Isle.

Though this is not a links course, it's a parkland layout with challenges aplenty and many links-like characteristics that provide a welcome respite from the rigors of playing those genuine, windswept challenges of the coast. Yes the course is hilly by nature, but the availability of golf carts (buggies as they are known on that side of the Atlantic) means you do not have to walk, so the aesthetics can be enjoyed without needing the agility of a mountain goat. Located a brief 4 miles outside of Kenmare and a few miles further from Killarney, Ring of Kerry has the added advantage of saving the 3 to 4 hour drive, back and forth to Waterville.

In no way am I insinuating that Ring of Kerry is a substitute for a links course of Waterville's caliber. Those who are looking to test their skills and stamina against one of Ireland's great links should go ahead and do just that. Although, even they should grasp the opportunity to taste a different kind of Irish golf and include Ring of Kerry as well.

But if your handicap is not in the low teens or better and you are planning on making this a thoroughly enjoyable golf vacation, it makes a lot of sense to tuck Ring of Kerry into your itinerary. Give yourself a little break from the constant abuse of those sometimes overly challenging links courses and enjoy the splendid tranquility and beauty of this very special treat.

There is no question that Ring of Kerry is world class and that it is in every sense of the phrase. Yet the course remains flexible and fair enough to test the skills of different levels of golfing skill. The low handicap player will be quite severely tested from the back tees, while those less accomplished will have a very enjoyable round playing from the middle and forward tees.

It's always a pleasant surprise to find a course of this standard that is not only fair, but also remembers that golf is just a game and games are meant to be enjoyed. Enjoy Ring of Kerry Golf Club; you'll be sorry if you miss it.

• For a suggestion of how best to include Ring of Kerry and a few other Irish champions in your itinerary, click here.

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