Nowhere is this scenic beauty as inspirational as the area surrounding the Ring of Kerry, a 120-mile twisting, turning, narrow roadway that sets out from Killarney. The road winds 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, which sits at the far westerly end, started out as a nine-hole layout in the late 1800s. 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. The newest addition to golf in these parts is a spectacular layout that is far more conveniently situated. The Ring of Kerry Golf Club opened its doors and fairways to the public in 1998. Five years later, the course is benefiting from a little added maturity and is proving to be a true gem. 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 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 are as true as any on the Emerald Isle. Though this is not a links course, it's a parkland layout with challenges aplenty. The course's links-like characteristics 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 (or 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 and fitness of a mountain goat.
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, they should also take 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 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. © 2004 David Brice / Golf International Inc. All Rights Reserved. Golf International -- Providers of quality golf travel arrangements since 1988 |
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