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Old Head of Kinsale Golf Club

Georgina Campbell

Since its official opening on June 1st 1997, the Old Head Golf Links has become one of the most talked-of courses in world golf. It is built on a 220-acre diamond of land, jutting out over two miles into the Atlantic Ocean. The promontory is almost an island with numerous caves running beneath your feet as you play the course. Nine cliff-side holes offer awe-inspiring views of churning breakers nearly 300 feet below.

In 1989 the 220 acres were acquired by John and Patrick O’Connor. It was then designed and constructed by a unique team, Ron Kirby - former designer at Jack Nicklaus’s Golf Design Services, Paddy Merrigan - Australian course architect and agronomist, Liam Higgins - one of Ireland’s best know golf professionals currently on the Seniors Tour, the late Eddie Hackett - former Irish golf professional and golf course designer, the late Dr. Joe Carr - Ireland’s most successful international amateur golfer and finally, Haulie O’Shea – building contractor.. The Links opened for play in 1997.

Old Head, par 72, comprises of five Par 5s, five Par 3s and eight Par 4s – stretching to over 7,300 yards from the tips, with a minimum of six tees per hole. All eighteen holes provide stunning ocean views. With the ever-changing sea breezes, the course provides a stern test to the touring pro and the high handicapper alike.

Distance and driving times (traffic dependent):



Adare Manor Golf Resort            121km (75m), 1hr 41 mins

Ballybunion Golf Club                165km (103m), 2hr 54 mins

Tralee Golf Club                       141km (87m), 2hrs 15 mins

Killarney Golf & Fishing Club      109km (67m), 1hr 41 mins

Waterville Golf Club                  186km (116m), 3hrs 15 mins

Bantry Bay GC                           81km (51m), 1hr 40 mins

Fota Island GC                           42km (26m), 47 mins

West Waterford Golf Club          100km (62m), 1hr 22 mins

Waterford City                      147km (91m), 1hr 52 mins

Mount Juliet Golf Club                180km (112m), 2hrs 14 mins

Other distances, times and route planning

Since its official opening on June 1st 1997, the Old Head Golf Links has become one of the most talked-of courses in world golf. It is built on a 220-acre diamond of land, jutting out over two miles into the Atlantic Ocean. The promontory is almost an island with numerous caves running beneath your feet as you play the course. Nine cliff-side holes offer awe-inspiring views of churning breakers nearly 300 feet below.

In 1989 the 220 acres were acquired by John and Patrick O’Connor. It was then designed and constructed by a unique team, Ron Kirby - former designer at Jack Nicklaus’s Golf Design Services, Paddy Merrigan - Australian course architect and agronomist, Liam Higgins - one of Ireland’s best know golf professionals currently on the Seniors Tour, the late Eddie Hackett - former Irish golf professional and golf course designer, the late Dr. Joe Carr - Ireland’s most successful international amateur golfer and finally, Haulie O’Shea – building contractor.. The Links opened for play in 1997.

Old Head, par 72, comprises of five Par 5s, five Par 3s and eight Par 4s – stretching to over 7,300 yards from the tips, with a minimum of six tees per hole. All eighteen holes provide stunning ocean views. With the ever-changing sea breezes, the course provides a stern test to the touring pro and the high handicapper alike.

Distance and driving times (traffic dependent):

Adare Manor Golf Resort            121km (75m), 1hr 41 mins
Ballybunion Golf Club                165km (103m), 2hr 54 mins
Tralee Golf Club                       141km (87m), 2hrs 15 mins
Killarney Golf & Fishing Club      109km (67m), 1hr 41 mins
Waterville Golf Club                  186km (116m), 3hrs 15 mins
Bantry Bay GC                           81km (51m), 1hr 40 mins
Fota Island GC                           42km (26m), 47 mins
West Waterford Golf Club          100km (62m), 1hr 22 mins
Waterford City                      147km (91m), 1hr 52 mins
Mount Juliet Golf Club                180km (112m), 2hrs 14 mins

Other distances, times and route planning

Professional:	Danny Brassil
Number of Holes:	18
Type:	Links
Course Name:	Old Head Golf Links
Designer:	Joe Carr, Ron Kirby, Eddie Hackett & Paddy Merrigan
Championship Length:	7,300 yards
Greenfees:	€200 (€160 after 3pm)
Par:	72
Notes:	No Pull Carts of any description permitted