Donegal GC- hole 12Donegal GC- hole 12

History

Donegal GC was founded in 1959, but came to notice in 1976 when the club opened a new course on lovely rolling linksland on the Murvagh Peninsula.

Eddie Hackett designed a real championship course, and Donegal GC has since hosted a number of tournaments.

Over the years Pat Ruddy has also had a hand in making improvements to the course

 

Course

Donegal GC- hole 15Donegal GC- hole 15 

The peninsula where the course is now located is virtually surrounded by water (Murvagh meaning land surrounded by water), and what is so very impressive is that this particular tract of land has no housing, or roads- other than a narrow 1 km lane entry though the forest.

It is an isolated and utterly tranquil site for golf.

 

Looking out from the new clubhouse your eye is drawn to the large dunes in the middle of the course with a real sense of anticipation.

But the course starts quietly with 4 quality golf holes through low lying territory outside the main dunes.

They are not spectacular holes, but are decent nevertheless.

 

Hole 5 changes things up big time, with a dramatic longish par 3 set in an ampitheatre of large dunes- right by the sea.

The green is raised and the hole is called 'Valley of Tears' in reference to the valley in front of the green.

It is a steep drop off and 'more than a few' balls roll back into the valley!

 

'Valley of Tears' may well be the best hole on the course.

Donegal GC- hole 5Donegal GC- hole 5

The par 5 sixth tee is located high on the frontal dune with panoramic views of the peninsula and surrounding coast.

It requires long and accurate strokeplay, but beware the hidden bunkers short of the green.

 

The seventh hole is a shorter par 4 over a ridge to a green set in a pretty dell.

Hole eight is another stand out hole.

it is a par 5 over a hill with the long 2nd shot entirely blind.

The third shot is the key to the hole with a short iron approach required over low land to a green with a sea view backdrop.

 

Donegal GC- hole 8Donegal GC- hole 8

The next hole of significance is the par 5 twelfth hole which requires a long accurate tee shot to bisect the fairway bunkers (see pic top of page).

But wait, there's more!

You now need a long and accurate second shot to fly the burn and bunkers short of the green.

A par is certainly well earned.

 Donegal is a good test of golf, and a great challenge for golfers of all standards.

The course can play long off the back tees, but played off the appropriate tee is quite playable- albeit quite difficult for the ladies.

Players do benefit from multiple plays as a number of the hazards are unseen on first play.

 

With a course on a peninsula surrounded by water, I did find it a little strange that the water views were rarely featured, as holes largely play through the dunes.

 

Donegal is a quality course, but a little understated compared to others in North Western Ireland which feature more spectacular dunescapes 

 

I can only hope you get to play Donegal on a fine sunny day with blue skies and light winds like I did.

It's at treat.

 

Golf Tours

The Travelling Golfer can tailor a golf trip to Ireland to suit your group. For itinerary suggestions please see Destinations: Hidden Gems of Ireland's North West



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