Waterville Golf Club,
Waterville, Co. Kerry.

LOCATION - South West Ireland, Ring of Kerry.

ARCHITECT - J. A Mulcahy/ E. Hackett

DESCRIPTION - A visit to Waterville Golf Club takes the player back in time to the beginning of the history of golf - this club was founded in 1889 and is accordingly one of the oldest-established golf clubs in the British Isles. Golf at Waterville is a mystical experience - the beauty of classic links land, surrounded by the sea, yet forever challenged by the elements. The course is located on a strip of land between Lough Currane and Ballinskelligs Bay. To the South, the lake is bordered by steep mountains, while to the north east there are wild rugged highlands dotted with lakes, which are peaked by the Macgillycuddy's Reeks mountain range. The Gulf Stream is responsible for the mild climate, which allows a sub-tropical vegetation to grow.
Far-sighted planners made sure that during the construction of the course the natural beauty of this area was not destroyed, but rather it was most effectively made part of the total structure. With its 7,184 yards, the Waterville course is one of the longest Championship courses in Europe. This is in part due to the enormously large tees - with a length of 175 yards, as long as some fairways. High sand dunes form small valleys or surround some of the greens, which makes it difficult to see the greens and thus adds to the challenge. Grass-covered dune spurs reach onto the fairways and narrow them maliciously and unexpectedly.

Your stay in Waterville promises to be the highlight of your sporting visit to Ireland. Ray Floyd, former Ryder Cup Captain, Open and Masters Champion said it all when asked to choose the finest, most challenging and beautiful golf courses in the world. His top selections were Augusta National, Cypress Point, Pebble Beach, St. Andrew's Old Course and Waterville Golf Links. The links continues to win praise: Top Five in Ireland - Time Magazine and the Irish Golf Institute. Top Fifty in the British Isles - Golf World and International Resort Medalist - Golf Magazine.

The Clubhouse with its comfortable locker facilities, pro-shop and adjacent practice area is an attraction in itself. An extensive collection of old photographs golf art and memorabilia graces its interior. Its gourmet restaurant features fresh seafood and local Irish fare, all served by the glow of warm peat fires. Waterville is so highly challenging that the saying goes: "Whoever can conquer Waterville can play on any golf course of the world".

COURSE DETAILS - Par 72, - SSS 74, - Length 7,184 yards. Home of the World Invitational Father & Son Golf Tournament.

CADDIES - Caddies available (May - September).

CARTS - No carts permitted except in extreme medical circumstances.