County Sligo Golf Club is widely regarded as one of the great championship links courses. It is located in the picturesque seaside village of Rosses Point, just eight kilometres from Sligo Town. It is known locally as “The Point”, and was originally founded in 1894 as a 9 hole course. It is now a revamped 27 hole complex with spacious clubhouse and modern facilities.
Many believe that Rosses Point offers the finest 18 holes in the country. A wonderful start to the front nine awaits players, most notably at the second hole. A short par four, it plays around 278 metres, severely uphill and your approach can be very difficult to judge.
The panoramic view from the green is as vast as it is sensational. The fresh sea breeze is always swirling around you, but the third and fifth holes offer compensation with downhill drives for you to vent your frustration on.
With just three par five holes on the course, there is scant opportunity to recover from a host of early dropped shots. With par fours being the bread and butter of the course, you must keep your composure on these holes in order to secure a good score.
The sorrow of golfing on the west coast of Ireland, is that it somehow has never gotten the recognition it deserves. Admittedly Rosses Point was ranked Ireland’s no.12 course in 2014 by Golf Digest Ireland. The crowds are rarely overwhelming though, and that works to the advantage of those in the know. Come to Rosses Point, because you are guaranteed to play an excellent course without any of the hustle and bustle.
