County Louth Golf Club

The course provided this Canadian with an excellent first taste of true links golf. The course was unusually dry for mid-April, especially the greens which were fast and true. Several large and undulating greens meant that none of our foursome (ranging from 5 to 15 handicaps) escaped without a three-put. Overall, the course was solid with bunkers and greens posing the biggest challenge as it played fairly short due to the dry conditions. Wind of course can be a factor but we had sunny mild conditions. The 18th was playing as a shortened par 4 under 400 yards while the teebox was being repaired, rather than a 540 yard par 5. This was disappointing as normally it would be a nice finishing hole. A few elevated tees and greens are scattered amongst the holes providing some good variety. The clubhouse staff were welcoming and post-round steaks and pints in the sunroom were top notch. My only complaint was that the members in the lounge were watching snooker on TV instead of the Masters!

A warm and hospitable welcome awaits visitors to County Louth G.C. along with a fabulous course and a fierce challenge. It is reputed to have the best greens in Ireland and we were not disappointed. Excellent on-course accommodation and a hearty breakfast prepared us well for the wind. A must for any visitor to the East coast.

County Louth may be consdiered a hidden gem by those of us from overseas, but it is highly acclaimed in Ireland, and deservedly so. Baltray was a fine test, but the course conditions were nothing less than Prime. The greens were true, and the fairways were excellent. While it does not have the grand feel of a Royal County Down, its quaintness actually enhances the experience. For a course that was added to our trip as an afterthought, I plan on making it a regular part of my future itinerary.

Baltray is one of the hidden gems in golf. The layout offers few gimmick or even incredibly memorable holes but also has no weak ones. I played Royal County Down on the same day and think this course more than holds its own. Make plans to play it if in the area - you won't be let down.