Michigan Golf Journal October 2021

wonderful round of golf, with the thrilling front- nine providing most of the highlights. €45 – arklowgolflinks.com Northeast Ballycastle – Co. Antrim (25 minutes east of Royal Portrush) The delightful Ballycastle, one of the Golfing Union of Ireland’s (GUI) founding clubs, begins with five parkland holes on the south side of Cushendall Rd and which circle Bonamargy Friary, a Franciscan foundation established in 1485, before crossing the road and heading for the coast. After three or four pure links holes, the course begins to climb the high ground above Glenshesk, one of the Nine Glens of Antrim. The views from the top of the cliff over Rathlin Island, the North Atlantic and the Mull of Kintyre are spectacular. You drop back down to sea level at the short 17 th then finish with the linksy 18 th . Ballycastle may only measure 5,876 yards, but it’s quite a journey. £105 – ballycastlegolfclub. com Corballis Links – Co. Meath (5 minutes north of The Island, 25 minutes north of Portmarnock) After a hugely enjoyable, though somewhat stern, morning round at Portmarnock or the nearby Island GC, you will enjoy the opportunity to shoot a lower (much lower) number at the Par 66 Corballis Links. Now owned by Fingal County Council, the course has existed in one form or another since 1906, though today’s layout was created by American architect Ron Kirby in 2004-05. It is, in short, an absolute blast to play with so many quirks and so much character you may find yourself juggling your itinerary to make room for another visit. €35 – corballislinks.com Laytown and Bettystown – Co. Meath (20 minutes south of Co. Louth) I’ll never forget the day I first played L&B in September 1997. After meeting him in the clubhouse, the club Corballis Michigan Golf Journal Ireland lf n a Budget