Lahinch

Western Ireland: Lahinch
Lahinch Golf Course is roughly 45 minutes away from Doonbeg on the Atlantic near the town of Lahinch. The course was originally designed by Old Tom Morris and updated by Alastair MacKinzie. It’s very possibly one of the most talented mow jobs of any ancient and natural golf course that exits, and is a must play. So many holes all around the world are inspired by this golf course, which has unique and sometimes quirky features. The 4th hole with the Klyondyke hill is the highlight of them all. The first shot is away from the water to a skinny fairway lined by thick rough laden fescue. In the middle of the fairway there is a large shaggy hill blocking the view of the green. In order to know when it’s clear for the second shot there is a green flag that will be placed at the top of the hill to indicate the green is clear. Next to the flat is a small hut where a man spends the entire day swapping red flags for green flags. Be sure to run up and say, “hi”. He seems pretty lonely and enjoys the company.

The golf course runs a length of water across from “Spanish Point”. If you are smart you will read a little bit about the Spanish Armada invasion of Great Britain so you can have an intelligent conversation with your caddy. All in all Lahinch is a favorite of travelers all over the world, but maintains its local club feel. You can definitely tell these people take great pride in the golf course. 

One last word of advice… be sure to use a tee on the first teeing ground or prepare to be admonished by the starter…

– Spectacle/ visual: 8
– History: 9
– New/ancient: Ancient
– Playability : 8
– Memorability : 9
– Buddy-a-bility : NA
– Service/etc: 8
– Value: ?
– Shopping: Small and somewhat austere golf shop with reasonable prices and friendly people.  
– Warm up facilities/Range: Comprehensive short game area. 4 or 6 bays to hit into nets to warm up longer clubs.