As a golfer, the Old Head of Kinsale is an absolute dream come true. Situated on a magnificent headland that extends into the vast Atlantic Ocean, this world-class golf course offers a truly unique experience. It's located in County Cork, Ireland, and was the brainchild of the late John O'Connor and his brother Patrick. Today, it stands as one of the most renowned and coveted golf destinations in the world, providing personalized service of the highest quality. When you go there you will be welcomed by the full 'Old Head Experience'.
When you step foot on Old Head Golf Links, you'll find yourself on a 220-acre piece of paradise that stretches two miles into the ocean. As you play the course, you'll notice numerous caves beneath your feet, and the links and practice areas cover 180 acres, while the remaining 40 acres of pristine cliffs frame the course. It truly is a golfing haven like no other, and the sight of the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean, 300 feet below, will leave you in awe.
Old Head is a par 72 course that features five Par 5s, five Par 3s, and eight Par 4s. It caters to golfers of all handicap abilities, ranging from 5,413 yards from the ladies' tees to over 7,100 yards from the tips. With a minimum of six tees per hole, it provides a fair yet challenging test for both professional and amateur golfers. Nine holes run along the cliff tops, offering unparalleled ocean views, while all eighteen holes provide a breathtaking backdrop. The ever-changing sea breezes add an extra element of challenge to the game.
On a sunny day, Old Head becomes a fantasy come to life. The holes on each nine are perched on 300-foot-high cliffs, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The scenery includes a lighthouse, castle ruins, and even the spot where the Lusitania was sunk in 1915 by a German U-boat, an event that led the United States to enter World War I.
The creation of Old Head was a remarkable undertaking. Conceived by Irish American brothers John and Patrick O'Connor, the design process involved renowned architects and consultants, including Paddy Merrigan, Eddie Hackett, Dr. Joe Carr, Liam Higgins, and American Ron Kirby, who had previously worked with Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player. The actual construction of the course was carried out by Haulie O'Shea. Stretching over 7,150 yards, Old Head offers a par 72 layout with signature holes that will leave a lasting impression.
Despite the high demand for membership during the pandemic, Old Head continues to welcome traveling golfers with open arms. However, like other prestigious courses in Ireland and Scotland, tee times are limited. I was told that when we got our tee time if your lucky enough to get a tee time your lucky! No truer words have been spoken.
From the moment I arrived at Old Head, practiced, and made my way to the first tee, I was blown away by the breathtaking views. This course is like Pebble Beach on steroids. I don't think I'll ever play another course that completely takes my breath away. No pictures can do justice to the beauty found here. In my eyes, this course is the closest thing to heaven I'll ever experience. It's truly a spectacular and awe-inspiring place, with its rich history, towering cliffs, and the wild Atlantic Ocean. Old Head is simply perfection.
Old Head is undoubtedly one of the most ambitious golf courses ever built. The story of its creation is nothing short of miraculous – a few brothers purchasing what was essentially an island, spending years transforming it with soil and turf, and constructing a course on land more suited for goats than golfers. Legend has it that the farmer finally agreed to sell because he was tired of losing sheep to the cliffs.
I've never seen anything like it. Old Head is the most visually stunning course I've ever played, and it's in a league of its own. It's often referred to as "the Pebble Beach of Europe," but I dare say that's an understatement. I'm not suggesting that it's a superior golf course – if I had to play here regularly, the constant battle for bogeys, doubles, and worse might drive me to quit the game. However, when it comes to "postcard holes," Pebble Beach can't hold a candle to Old Head. As I made my way through the front nine, I couldn't help but marvel at the fact that any course in the world would be proud to have just one hole that compares to all but two on Old Head's front nine. And then my caddie told me to wait until I saw the back nine.
He wasn't exaggerating in the slightest.
In the United States, we often play on perfectly manicured, flat fairways, guided by GPS systems, and in gentle breezes. Our strategy typically revolves around hitting the ball high and far, avoiding bunkers and water hazards. However, at Old Head, with its relentless 35-mph sea gales, the game is entirely different. It's not about hitting the ball over the golf course; it's about playing the ball through it.
For those with a golfing imagination, Old Head is a true indulgence. It reminds us that golf isn't just about hitting the perfect iron shot or hitting a certain number of greens in regulation. A good day at Old Head reminds you that golf is all about one thing – getting your ball into the hole as quickly as possible.
The 12th hole, "Coursean Stage," at Old Head Golf Links has been recognized by Todays Golfer as the best Par 5 in Britain and Ireland. Even Tiger Woods, during a warm-up round for the Open Championship, asked his caddie the name of the hole and exclaimed, "They should rename it Holy ****!"
Ranked as the most challenging golf hole, the 12th is an intimidating experience. The tee shot takes you directly at a cliff, with winds pushing your ball perilously close to the 300-foot drop into the Atlantic Ocean. This dogleg left par five presents crosswinds at the elevated green, with the flags blowing strongly to the left. If you hit a low shot, the flag will be blowing to the right. It's an awe-inspiring hole that pushes you to attempt shots you wouldn't normally consider. The Fairways were well maintained the biggest challenge to this course other than the layout would be the weather. We didn't get to see much of the famous Ireland wind and rain when we were there. The layout and design on every hole here working up to the back nine left even my partner Mark speechless. For him to say wow this is B******g completely caught me off guard. We were able to get a cart, and also got to play our own clubs. Life was perfect!
Playing at Old Head Golf Links is an unforgettable experience, and it's an honor to be able to share it with fellow golfers. So, if you ever get a chance to play this remarkable golfing destination, where you'll be captivated by the beauty of the course and the challenge it presents. I promise you won't be disappointed.
