Clones Golf Club (222)

Clones is a much more modest golf club than the likes of St Anne’s or Howth. We arrived there much earlier than usual, but as we tentatively walked into the bar we were enthusiastically greeted by the 5 or 6 people sitting there enjoying a drink. They were a very welcoming bunch and told them our story and had generally had a good laugh. It wasn’t long before Clive had engaged one of the gents in Church of Ireland talk. I hear this all the time so I watched the Scottish Open on the TV while they swapped tales of rectors and bishops!

Since we were there early and the people were so friendly we decided the push the boat out and have a meal in the bar – and they provide a great feed for a reasonable price. We chatted some more and had a Guinness while the Scottish Open came to its conclusion and then called it an early night.

Things weren’t sounding too hopeful through the night as we were absolutely pounded with rain. By morning there was a light mizzle in the air and we headed off expecting to get wet. We weren’t disappointed. It wasn’t heavy rain – just enough to make us put up our umbrellas and wish it wasn’t so warm.

For the first few holes the course wasn’t that interesting. For a parkland course it was wide open and kind of featureless so were beginning to think it would be a boring course. But then suddenly the course takes off into the natural hills and drumlins and becomes a nice little gem of a course. Great use is made of the natural contours and the occasional pond, but you need to prepare yourself for many a climb from fairway to green and green to tee box. Special mention must be made about their greens – they are simply huge! Clive paced one out at 42 yards and the rest aren’t far behind. They were in great shape as well. Much slower than we’ve been used to but far from sluggish.

However, their fairways weren’t in great shape. They have a problem with the drainage on many of them. It was pretty damp underfoot most of the way round and the drainage they had put in didn’t seem to be working too well. And on top of that the drainage lines were still exposed and particularly evident in the 8th and 11th holes. Allowing the drains to grass over would certainly add to the look of the course.

Overall this is a smart little course. Challenging, interesting, a little bit tiring but a rewarding round of golf.

Thomas says:
Clive will say that this is more like the course we love to visit. A modest clubhouse (with a tin roof!) and some friendly locals is all we need to enjoy ourselves. They’re in the middle of some renovations to their changing rooms and are busy raising funds to complete the work. (Give generously if you’re in the area!).

I have to say I feared the worst when we stood on the first tee. It simply didn’t look very exciting. But do not let that put you off playing here as the course really comes into its own from about the 4th hole onwards. I particularly liked the 11th and 12th holes. The the fairways were in poor condition but I loved the layouts of the holes (plus I had par at the 12th – index 1!). And the 11th tee box is in an interesting position as it’s set back about 20 or 30 yards into the adjoining field. A nice touch.

There’s lots to like about Clones, not least of which is the friendly welcome. You won’t be disappointed if you play here.

Clive says:
As we drove from Mullingar towards Clones we came very suddenly on the course. We decided just to go in – and you will have read about the welcome we got. Irish people in little golf clubs are just magic. You would think they had known you all your life. That’s a real golf club.

I am rarely put off a game of golf especially if it’s your 222nd course in Ireland – as it was today. But I have to confess that I didn’t think we would get out. But we did although my early golf – and, sad to say, lots of the remainder as well – wasn’t much good. It was a day to enjoy the surroundings and do the best you can at the golf. The 6th hole is lovely with a large pond and a dogleg to keep you on your toes. There was also a family of ducks sedately walking from one pond to the other – until they heard us and did they then move – swiftly I can tell you – and funny! The 8th is a truly classy hole although, as Thomas said, they need to sort out their fairway here.

The more I saw the more I was impressed – the tee box at the 18th is tucked into a tricky little corner – watch out! You’ll love this course – but do take on some oxygen – top marks too for hospitality – truly terrific.