SEAPOINT GOLF LINKS - A MUST PLAY
Just forty five minutes north of Dublin Airport sits a relatively undiscovered stretch of links land in a townland known as Termonfeckin. Designed by Irelands own and once stalwart of the European Tour, Des Smyth, host to multiple Irish and PGA championships in the past and this years Legends Tour Irish Open - Seapoint Golf Links won’t be on the “hidden gem” hit-list much longer as it will have moved to the “Must Play” hit-list.
Since the first ball was struck on the 1st of June 1993, the links has grown and developed into a 7,100 yard par 72 with what some would describe as some of the best closing holes of links golf in Ireland. Contributing to the aesthetic of the course is the backdrop of the Mourne Mountains and Termonfeckin beach adjacent to the course which meanders through largely unspoiled, raw links land.
The majority of the front nine is open although with nuances and design features such as a Van de Velde-esque burn on the par 3 second whilst water continues to be a theme on the outward nine. The index one, par 4 fifth hole typifies the front nine with it being largely open from the tee with a prominently shaped with dog-leg right which one would think a crafty power fade would be perfect for. Protected by some fairway bunkers to the left of the fairway whilst out-of-bounds awaits you all along the right hand side, this hole really test’s your metal and carry distance depending how much of that dogleg you decide to chew if you take that aggressive line. Even with the dog-leg and out-of-bounds traversed safely, you will have an approach shot to a generously sized green although surrounded by water on three sides. In other words, the fifth on appearance alone looks very straight forward, even relatively easy. Until you discover the underlying threat and succumb to the stealthy fairway slope, bounce and deathly fast green on this hole, surely it should be re-christened “Beware”.
After re-caffeinating through nine holes, the back nine smacks you in the face with some awesome holes. Re-contouring work and shaping of fairway and green side bunkers along with some green approaches has resulted in some awe-inspiring holes to play. The eleventh in particular is one the lives long in my memory. From your first look at the 403 yard par 4 right through to holing out I would travel back to Seapoint to play 11 on loop all day.
The closing holes though, 16 - 18, are ones to savour. Every shot will test your skill. Each hole is a possible card wrecker. From the driveable par 4 16th, the punch bowl par 3 17th through some dunes, then the epic par 5 18th alongside the Termonfeckin Beach curving up to the exquisite clubhouse neatly set into the topography behind the green complex. The final hole is a true risk, reward hole. Reachable in two, but the beach often hit in one!
Through new ownership in Carr Golf and a consortium of investors has come investment, improved practice facilities, a course masterplan and development, a newly re-vamped clubhouse, bar and restaurant at Seapoint. The off-course hospitality is possibly even better than the on-course golf test and experience. Do not leave without having the buttermilk chicken burger and a pint of plain. Do not leave without booking a return visit.
Seapoint Golf Links is on my “Must-Play” list if you are in the Dublin region.
