The ultimate Ireland golf trip
Carne
Our next task was a long drive west, the destination one of the country’s most remote golfing outposts: Carne, or Belmullet to the locals.
If you thought there might be an outcrop of Ireland from where it would be possible to see America on the horizon, this is pretty much where you would end up.
We had come to see the new Kilmore nine, which were added to Hackett’s original 18 in 2013. Unfortunately, a battering from winter storms had resulted in these holes being flooded and therefore out of action.
But there was still plenty enough to entertain us. This is golf in its rawest, most unspoilt form. Take away the flags and to the untrained eye the land would look just as it has for centuries.
An appreciation is needed when playing courses like this that every hole will be different. It is a style of golf that must be embraced. If you are looking for technical excellence in every last par 4, if you are offended by an angle that isn’t quite right or a green where the proportions don’t match the hole, if you like your playing surfaces to be uniform – Carne isn’t for you.
sIf you are thrilled by unique holes, if you like a surprise around every dogleg, if you relish holes where you are taken out of your comfort zone, then you’ll love it here.
I wouldn’t argue that this is among the very best links in the country but I love playing here.
Dan Murphy
Dan loves links golf, which doesn't mean he is very good at it. He is a four-handicapper at Alwoodley. A qualified journalist and senior editor with 25 years’ experience, he was the long-time editor of NCG. His passion is golf courses and he is the founding editor of NCG Top 100s course rankings. He loves nothing more than discovering and highlighting courses that are worthy of greater recognition.
