County Louth Golf Club (Baltray)

Dies war mein zweiter Besuch in Baltray und wie auch beim ersten Mal war ich hin und weg von den Grünkomplexen die Meister Simpson hier gebaut hat (auch wenn nicht mehr alle original sind). Dies sucht im Südosten Irlands seines Gleichen und für mich ist County Louth, unter anderem aus diesem Grund, der beste Platz um Dublin, also für mich sogar vor Portmarnock. Der Pflegezustand war hervorragend und das Essen im Club sehr gut. Man muss allerdings feststellen, dass die Preise mittlerweile (überall) sehr hoch sind. 320€ + 160€ für den obligatorischen Forecaddy (der auch nicht durch einen normalen Caddy ersetzt werden kann) sind schon ambitioniert. Allerdings sind die anderen Plätze auch nicht billiger und Portmarnock kostet sogar 530€ + Caddie…

I had a wonderful time at Baltray, thanks to the hospitality of County Louth’s captain and vice-captain. Spoiler alert: we lost our pairs matchplay after 16 holes, but that was not the slightest detraction from a day spent on these magnificent links. Our day began with a superb breakfast in a stylish clubhouse that has undergone a substantial refurbishment in recent years. I particularly admired the way the club's history has been fully preserved through the changes and how, despite many international visitors, it remains predominantly a members’ club. Vice-captain Barrie Breen showed us photographs of his grandmother, Clarrie Reddan, who was Irish amateur champion in 1936 while also making two Curtis Cup appearances in 1938 and 1948. County Louth, or Baltray as it is locally known, was founded in 1892, but the course we know today was largely defined in 1938 when the club commissioned the renowned golf architect Tom Simpson to redesign the links. He utilised the natural dunes and terrain of the Boyne estuary to create a par-72 championship layout with intricate green complexes and holes which are cut in different directions, forcing players to account for the wind from every angle. From the outset, the greens are subtly contoured, and the fairways seldom offer flat lies. In other words, it is a full-on links experience. The third is a gem of a par-five, relying entirely on its natural terrain as its defence. Its approach is blind over a large dune ridge before a punchbowl green that falls alarmingly down to the left. The only route to success is from the right. The tenth is my type of hole – a short par-four in front of the clubhouse that bends to a target defended by a sand trap. I missed a birdie putt, but the par was nevertheless the springboard for some distinct improvement in my golf on the back nine. I have never seen a hole quite like the par-four 14th, with its dunes down the right before the fairway is interrupted by large patches of rough as it descends towards the green, which sits on a plateau. The 16th could well be the most intimidating drive of the day, with rolling rough down the right of a sharp dogleg that has three bunkers on the corner. Its flag is hidden by a dune, and its undulating green falls from left to right. The 18th is a strategic finishing hole towards the clubhouse, featuring a line of cross-bunkers. It’s a reachable par-five for the long hitter, as Shane Lowry proved during his 2009 Irish Open win, but the thick rough and out-of-bounds on the right keep the tension high until the final putt. It completes one of the finest rounds in Irish golf.

County Louth Golf Club, often affectionately known as Baltray, stands as a testament to the timeless allure of links golf. Located on the scenic east coast of Ireland, this championship course offers an experience that blends natural beauty with a challenging layout, making it a must-visit for any avid golfer.

Upon arrival at County Louth, visitors are greeted with a warm welcome from the knowledgeable and passionate staff. The clubhouse exudes a sense of history and tradition, setting the tone for the memorable day ahead. The facilities are excellent, with a well-stocked pro shop and comfortable locker rooms. The clubhouse itself, with its historical charm, provides a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a post-round drink or meal with great views of the course and surrounding countryside.

The course layout at County Louth is a classic links design, characterised by undulating fairways, strategic bunkers, and challenging greens. One unique aspect that sets this course apart is that each hole is oriented in a different direction from the previous one, ensuring golfers face a new challenge with every shot. This clever design requires players to constantly adjust to changing wind conditions and angles, making for a dynamic and engaging round of golf.

Among the many highlights of County Louth, the signature 14th hole, a par-4, stands out. This hole demands precision with its well-protected green and offers a scenic backdrop that adds to its allure. The closing 18th hole is equally memorable, featuring a slightly elevated green with the clubhouse in view, providing a fitting and picturesque end to the round.

The course conditions were impeccable during our visit, with well-manicured fairways and greens. The links are beautifully integrated into the surrounding landscape, offering stunning views at every turn. Despite the typical challenges posed by a links course, including the ever-present wind, we were fortunate to enjoy calm weather that allowed us to fully appreciate the subtle nuances of each hole.

Our experience at County Louth Golf Club was nothing short of exceptional. The combination of challenging play and breathtaking scenery made for an unforgettable day of golf. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or a casual player, County Louth offers an experience that is both rewarding and memorable.

County Louth Golf Club is a jewel in the crown of Irish golf courses. Its rich history, combined with a superb layout and top-notch facilities, makes it an essential stop for any golfer visiting Ireland. If you’re planning a golfing trip to the Emerald Isle, County Louth Golf Club should undoubtedly be on your itinerary.

This course was the best conditioned course I played during a 10 day trip to Ireland. They have irrigation on the fairways, so this keeps the fairways in top condition. The routing moves in all directions, so the the golfer gets to play shots into the wind, with the wind at the back, and both sides of crosswinds, so this is the sign a good routing. No real weaknesses, except there's not many views of the sea, and I'd say that the finish is maybe the 2 most boring holes (17 and 18). The course was very busy, and particularly full of rich Americans playing with caddies and taking forever! So, the round a bit slower than a fast player would hope for, so I'd suggest playing this course outside the peak seasons. It's also rather pricey, so you may get a better price in the off season. Top class clubhouse and good food. The staff was very welcoming.

Hidden Gem but a bit overpriced. Great views with splendid maintenance. A few holes overlook the beautiful coast and Sea.