The European Club is located about 1 hours drive from Dublin right on the coast. It is a links course designed by Pat Ruddy. Pat has fulfilled his dream of owning his own golf course after designing several others.
I played the course during a golfing trip to ireland where we also played some of the more famous course like Royal County Down, Portrush etc… None of us had played The European before so we had no impression or expectations. We were positively impressed with the course design, layout and quality. The practice facilities deserves an upgrade, especially the quality of balls used – however, visitors like us mainly come for the course experience.
the golf course
Already from the first hole you get a good idea of what to expect with. The unique bunker look that stands out in the distance from the tee and holes that require good course management.
Short second hole par 3, but tricky green with run off areas to feed your ball away from the green and the bunkers in front.
Below the par 3 6th hole with the water running down the left hand side of the green and the bunkers guarding the front.
ocean views on hole 12 at European Club
On the 12th you play right alongside the ocean. The following holes were my favourite stretch of the course. The weather was very cool in the morning. We where lucky that it cleared up and the sun came out on the back 9.
The beautiful views from 15th tee. Bunkers protecting the left hand side of the fairway and the ocean on the other.
A strong finishing par 4 that requires 2 good shots to get on the green. The water running in front of the green is well placed and is probably a busy place for many golfers.
my experience
I shot 83, but missed to many GIR based on a pretty good day from the tee with the driver. The experience was good and especially when comparing to the fact that we played some top courses just before The European. The whole story around the course and Pat is great. It just shows that creating your own course can be done if you really want it….
