County Louth

Type: Links
Par: 73
Location: Louth

County Louth Golf Club, or Baltray as it's known locally, is one of those golf courses that contradict the commonly held belief that Ireland's eastern coast is far inferior to the southwestern region in terms of quality links courses. Though the volume of links may not be quite the same on the east coast, when you consider courses such as Baltray, The Island, Royal Dublin, Portmarnock, Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links, Royal County Down and the European Club, it is clear that the quality of links golf courses on the eastern side of the island is in no way inferior.

At a length of almost 6,800 yards, Baltray is certainly not short, but when you consider the natural hazards of the links game combined with blowing winds and heavy rough, it becomes a difficult, though immensely enjoyable golf course. Some of the finest holes at Baltray include the difficult par four opening hole; the long par five 3rd, which requires a blind shot over a knoll onto a small green; the par five 6th, which leads through a valley of dunes to a green hidden behind two hills; the par four 14th, which requires a drive from an elevated tee to a fairway almost 200 yards away; and the majestic closing hole, complete with some malicious bunkering. The 14th hole is regarded as the signature hole a short par four measuring only 332 yards you can drive all the way to the green and end up taking six or more, wondering what did you actually do that was wrong.

"County Louth is one of the best kept secrets of Irish golf. Sometimes also referred to as Baltray this has to be one of the most enjoyable Links in Ireland and undoubtedly represents superb value. There is not a weak hole on the course and some of the holes merit greatness" – Golf World