Bantry Bay Golf Club
We had perfect weather playing this course today – hot, sunny, calm – and it’s fair to say that, even without the weather, this course would still have impressed us.
It’s an 18 hole parkland course with stunning views into Bantry Bay. We got talking with Sheila last night when we arrived and she told us that the course was in the middle of a refit – holes 2, 3 and 4 were out of action – and we had to play 16, 17 and 18 twice. The newly remodelled holes are due to open in a few weeks and while it was disappointing that we didn’t get to play a full 18 holes, it did not spoil our enjoyment of this wonderful course one bit.
We teed off early – about 07:30. It’s a great feeling knowing that you are the only ones course, even for a short time. The course was in immaculate condition, despite the morning dew, and the fairways and greens were faultless.
Bantry Bay has plenty to offer, not least of which is the awesome panorama from the 9th green. It was lucky that we headed off early as it gave us plenty of time to savour the views and take lots of photos (which I will add to the Galleries later). There are plenty of challenging holes and as well and the water in the Bay there’s plenty of water to avoid on the course. The configuration we played seemed to be split into the Bay holes, where Bantry Bay was always visible, and respectable parkland holes. We learned after our game that holes 2 and 4 have been taken almost to the water’s edge, bringing yet more of the Bay into the course.
Thomas says:
I really loved this course and would rate it as one of the best I’ve played in recent times, despite the repetition of some holes. The glorious weather probably helped as did the fact that I went round in 82! One of my better days. Shame it wasn’t an open competition as I might have scared a prize. We also got chatting to the Lady Captain and another lady before we set off and they were so welcoming and friendly that it was hard not to like the course.
I loved the 9th, a par 3 with amazing views from the green, and the 10th, a dog-leg which hugs the bay. Apart from those two there wasn’t anything else outstanding which is not to say the rest was bad.Far from it in fact.
I’d rate this course very highly and would definitley consider coming back to play the complete course at a future date. But you’d have to guarantee me the same weather!
My rating: 9/10
Clive says:
To play Bantry Bay on a wonderful day like today is just like heaven, The views over the bay and the testing types of holes on this part of the course are just what makes golf the great game it is. Although we had to play the last three holes twice because of the temporary closure of holes 2 – 4 it didn’t really affect us. Thomas played very well and I managed to break 100. I’d say the signature hole for me was the difficult hole 10 – standing on the tee you can’t see where you are going – it was a hard hole.
The reception at Bantry Bay on the day we played was magnificent – the lady captain was pleased that we had enjoyed ourselves. And we didn’t bother the ladies too much – I think Thomas’ orange trousers mesmerised them all!
I do recommend the course and it only cost us €35 for the two of us – thanks to Open Fairways.
Marks out of 10 – 8 and three quarters.
