41-50

 

41 – Rosapenna (Old Tom)

By 2013, Rosapenna might have three entries in this Top 100, after new land was purchased by the Casey family and well-known architects nodding sagely at its suitability for classy links fare. As it is now, the Old Tom Morris is a lovely accompaniment to the exacting Sandy Hills, being mostly a relatively gentle links affair.

42 –  Concra Wood

As our picture demonstrates, this is pretty spectacular stuff. It used to be called Castleblayney, a nine-hole course dating back to 1905 but it was relocated in 2008 after the purchase of 240 acres of woodland on the edge of Lough Muckno. The O’Connor boys made a fine job of routing the new course in this spectacular setting, which benefits from views of the Monaghan Drumlins, Mourne Mountains, Slieve Gullion and Mullyash Mountains. The tee shots of 15th and 16th are sensational.

43 – Royal Portrush (The Valley) 

Our image here shows why a trip to Portrush shouldn’t just mean a round on the Dunluce. The Valley is pretty decent fare too, and was also laid out by Harry Colt, over land between the dunes along the Atlantic shore and the higher ground of his Dunluce. When the wind gusts, and you won’t be surprised to learn it frequently does, The Valley is plenty enough of a test but it also charms with its classic links characteristics of humps and hollows.

44 – Killeen Castle

Host to the Solheim Cup in 2011, this Jack Nicklaus design was an impressive host for a matchplay contest – even if the weather didn’t show it in its best light. A typically well-manicured Nicklaus parkland-woodland hybrid which can stretch to an immense 7,677 yards off the backs. 

45 – Malone 

A big jump up our rankings compared to our list in 2011, after more panellists visited this Antrim course and felt it should be much higher. It boasts 27 holes of parkland golf routed through mature woodland – and around a natural trout lake over which the short 15th plays – five miles from Belfast.

46 – Cork 

All the attention in the south of the island is usually on the west coast but, alongside Fota Island, this parkland gives Cork plenty to shout about. Founded in 1888 and redesigned in 1927 by Alister MacKenzie, it is situated next to Cork Harbour and the Scot skilfully plotted it through and over the mature parkland.

47 – Palmerstown House 

“It was probably one of the easiest jobs I have had to do,” Christy O’Connor told Golf World about his work here. “The beautiful mature trees, lakes and bridges that were used as the entrance into the estate are incorporated into the course. It is a fantastic spectacle.” We agree – this is a delightful top 50 experience.

48 – Clandeboye 

There are two courses at this golfers’ golf club, the Ava being joined, and overtaken, by the Dufferin. Gorse, bracken and trees give great definition as well as act as strict penalties at this County Down hidden gem.

49 – Carlow 

One of the best inland courses in the south of Ireland, Carlow is a terrific year-round option by virtue of being built on sandy soil. Host to the 2002 Irish Close Championship, it’s the kind of place you expect to score well but even though you don’t you come off happy anyway.

50 – Belvoir Park

Arranged in two loops of nine, Belvoir Park is undoubtedly one of the best inland courses in Ulster. Founded in 1927, this undulating parkland course, which meanders through 136 acres of mature woodland was designed by legendary architect Harry Colt. Situated little more than two miles from Belfast city centre yet offers delightful tranquility as you make your way along its near 6,700 yards.

To read the most up to date Top 100 rankings of the best golf courses, please visit golfworldtop100.com