Ireland is spoilt for golf courses and at the last count, had 18 in the official rankings of the world’s greatest 100 courses. That is a remarkable return for a country that is the size of the State of Indiana and illustrates the alluring beauty of courses in the Emerald Isle.

Out of all the courses listed in the top 100 on the planet, however, there perhaps isn’t one that beats Cork’s Old Head Golf Links for the most dramatic setting.

Old Head Golf Links

Old Head Golf Links was built on a headland that stretches out over two miles into the Atlantic Ocean. This jaw-dropping landscape is, unquestionably, one of the most breathtaking sights anywhere on Earth and is a place that will provide complete tranquility to those who don’t play golf and rather want to just explore Cork.

As far as the actual golfing experience goes, there is an undeniable energy that exists on the cliffs of southwest Ireland which can be felt even before teeing off.

Well-traveled golfers will know that there are certain courses around the world that demand your attention as soon as your feet touch the ground of the parking lot; Old Head is one of them. Essentially, you’re aware that the next four hours could provide memories that stay with you for the rest of your life owing to the fabled history of the course.

It goes without saying but in a world of growing distractions, living in the here and now has become a rare pastime. In this respect, it is a testament to Old Head’s awe-inspiring beauty that it takes centre stage in your mind.

Even if there are a number of added benefits to being transfixed by the setting at Old Head, the main one is that it focuses your attention on playing well at a course that will see an errant shot plunge 300ft down into the swirling Atlantic Ocean.

These spectacular raised greens, isolated tee-off boxes, and narrow fairways are a recurring feature throughout the 18 holes that meander along Cork’s rugged coastline.

As for a signature hole, it is almost impossible to choose and is like having to pick the greatest song by The Beatles, where do you even start?

However, the 564-yard par five 12th hole is probably the pick with golfers having to hit a blind tee shot onto an elevated fairway. It is one of the most intimidating opening shots in world golf and if you’re lucky enough to find the fairway, you will then have an approach into a narrow green that is guarded by frightening cliff faces that drop off dramatically into the lurking Atlantic Ocean.

Old Head Golf Links attracts the world’s best players

Tellingly, it is a hole that even made an impression on 15-time major champion Tiger Woods when he played it back in 2000. Woods isn’t the only big name to frequent this course with Rory Mcllroy, Phil Mickelson, and the late, great Arnold Palmer all visiting Old Head in the past.

In particular, the biggest names in the sport normally arrive to play the iconic Old Head course the week before the Open in a bid to acclimatize to the unique demands of links golf. Excitingly, this may mean that members at Old Head get to see Mcllroy strolling the fairways again soon. Now, you might ask what happened the last time Mcllroy played Old Head before the Open in 2014 which coincidentally was at Royal Liverpool, the 2023 host course. The answer is that the 33-year-old would go on to win the Claret Jug.

Nine years on from that momentous day on Merseyside and the Northern Irishman has been, as of the 14th of March, priced as the outright favourite at 8/1 in the latest Betway sports golf odds to win the 2023 edition at Royal Liverpool. Without a doubt, the test at Old Head would once again provide Mcllroy with the best preparation possible for the 151st edition of the Open.

Given that some headline-grabbing names could be en route to Cork in the summer, golf fans should keep an eye on the latest news in the build-up to the Open in case one of golf’s biggest stars is spotted in the Rebel County.

The standout attraction in Cork

While it is true that Cork has some of the most picturesque attractions in the whole of Ireland on its tourism map, the Old Head Golf Links must be at the top of the list of places to see. Specifically, for any golfer around the world, a trip around this course will be an experience that will be embedded in your mind forever.

#SP