Rathcore Golf Club
We almost didn’t play Rathcore on account of the rain that greeted us when we woke up this morning! It was miserable looking but with no other plans for the day we hung around for a while hoping things would clear up later.
While we were waiting a couple of men arrived at the club and headed inside. They turned out to be Austin, the owner, and Paul, the greenkeeper. They were excellent company and gave us a good welcome. The clubhouse is one of the best we’ve seen. Nothing overly grand or fancy, but just right. It’s a circular building in-keeping with the ring fort history of the area. There’s a plush entranceway, with a fireplace, and a great wooden staircase to the bar upstairs where there are some nice views over the course.
Eventually the rain stopped and was replaced by clear skies and bright sunshine. So, wet gear at the ready just in case, we headed off.
Rathcore is an 18 hole parkland course in Co. Meath and has only been opened for 5 years. It starts with a nice par 5 with water on the left and out of bounds on the right, and the watery theme continues throughout the course. There are at least 4 holes where there is a pond to negotiate right at the green with plenty more water around to collect loosely struck balls.
Considering the amount of rain there had been we weren’t expecting perfect conditions and while there was plenty of squelching going on the fairways seemed to have taken the rain quite well. The grass was still on the long side but Paul assured us they wouldn’t be that way for long! Particular mention should be made of the greens because despite the wetness around them they were bone dry and in great condition.
Thomas says:
You can often tell how well you will enjoy the course by the welcome you get when you arrive. Austin and Paul couldn’t have been nicer and we both enjoyed the course immensely. I particularly liked the greens as they were firm and fast despite the amount of rain. Be prepared to lose a few balls in the numerous ponds and lakes around the course – I’ve never seen a course with so many ponds protecting greens. The opening hole is an excellent one and sets the tone for the rest of the course. Some really good par 3s (many of which are over water of course) round off what is an excellent course. Would like to play this one again when it the fairways are shorter and drier.
Clive says:
Rathcore is one of the many new courses around the Republic, built when the Celtic tiger was making a lot of noise. Things are difficult nowadays and Austin was saying that he was finding things tough. However he has a fabulous course and with attractive deals and opens on offer he should manage. He was a really kind man who obviously enjoyed chatting with his visitors. Paul, the young greenkeeper, had been doing his job in the United States and was working for the USA team at Valhalla.
The course, Austin assured me after telling him how much we loved Portumna, would certainly entice us back. I was dubious but when we played it I gave it high marks. I was playing poorly but the opening 6 holes were just terrific and very testing. The short par 4 third was the finest hole on the course with water, dogleg and river. The par threes, always with water looming were top marks holes. The final approach to the 18th, with its large pond will test any golfer – although I struck a fine shot into the middle of the green!
For hospitality, I give 9 out of 10 and for the course, a good 8 plus. Do play it when you get the chance.
See our photos of Rathcore.
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