| Links Corner Course Database ID Number - 1956 |
Release Date |
CRZ Filesize |
Par |
Course Length |
| 2010-08-28 |
180,525,971 bytes |
72 |
7085 yards |
| Type |
Style |
CRZ Filename |
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REAL |
PARKLAND |
Carton House The O'Meara_locked.crz |
| Course ID |
Course Key |
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| COURSE NOTES |
| Designed by 1998 Open Champion and US Masters Champion Mark O'Meara, this classic parkland course might lull you with its beauty but is still full of challenge. You'll find yourself skirting the banks of the river Rye then sending the ball soaring over its golden waters. And, when you cross the greens, it is as if your feet float on a thousand velvet kisses from beneath. |
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CLIPNOTES by Ben Bateson (ousgg) |
Description
Real, parkland course |
Location
County Kildare |
Conditions
Plays nicely on M*/F* and should be reasonable on the fastest settings |
Concept 9/10
Mark O'Meara isn't yet well-known as a course architect, but on the basis of this treasure, he's well on the way. An impressive contrast from the understated Montgomerie course, this is deeply strategic and nicely varied. It's a consistently impressive and sometimes surprising set of holes which hugs the natural landscape tightly, and culminates with a stretch of delightful holes along the back nine. Only some slightly disappointing Par 5s taint the round. |
Appearance 9/10
Some glorious features we don't see often enough, including the monster clubhouse and a weir, and just as with the Montgomerie course, there's astonishing attention to detail in parts. The textures contrast well, given the course's more leafy surroundings, and certain holes - the 14th and 15th especially - are stunning. My attention was diverted a little by a couple of clones in the planting and a lack of density to the grass planting which made the course look a little dated. |
Playability 9/10
The designer (O'Meara, not Beckwith!) has overtly commented that his primary aim was to provide fun for the golfer, and I have no doubt that these 18 holes have fulfilled his aim. It doesn't make unnecessary demands, but is a course that almost uncannily rewards accurate play and strategical thought from the tee onwards. There are very few patterns, which is one of the things that helps the course retain its freshness time after time. |
Challenge 8/10
Plenty of acutely-placed bunkering will force you to exercise caution, and there is that little bit extra planting that means nothing is a pushover. One or two cannily setup greens are the final twist, and mid-length putts should not be expected as a given. All these trickeries, though, will not be enough to stop the average player breaking par by a couple of strokes. |
Technical 9/10
By John's meticulous standards, this one just felt a little bit rushed. Certainly, it's right up there in the top league of designs, and the fine tuning is brilliant and really adds tone to the course, but the planting - never the easiest or most rewarding of aspects - betrays just a little bit of hurriedness. |
| Overall |
A delightful first course from O'Meara. More please! |
44/50 |
Please remember that Clipnote reviews are the opinion of one person and do not constitute an 'Official' Links Corner review of the course. |
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