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Best 3 hole swing in Irish Golf

  • 16-01-2021 1:17am
    #1
    Neworld17
    Registered Users Posts: 25 ✭


    What are the best 3 hole swings you have played in Irish golf?

    Let me start with the following suggestions
    1) Holes 10, 11 and 12 in Hermitage
    2) Holes 11, 12 and 13 in Enniscrone
    3) Holes 9, 10 and 11 in Ballybunion (Old)


Comments

  • #2
    plumber77
    Registered Users Posts: 651 ✭✭✭plumber77


    Holes 15,16 and 17 Rosses Point
    Holes 12,13 and 14 Tralee
    Holes 16,17 and 18 Portumna


  • #3
    Benicetomonty
    Registered Users Posts: 1,574 ✭✭✭Benicetomonty


    6,7,8 in Carlow

    13, 14 and 15. Also Carlow!

    15, 16, 17 in Ballybunion.

    6,7,8 Tralee.

    16, 17, 18 Portmarnock Links.

    3,4,5 RCD

    11,12,13 at The European

    10,11,12 Beech Park.


  • #4
    Kevinmarkham
    Registered Users Posts: 1,977 ✭✭✭Kevinmarkham


    I wanted to do this for an article. Best 3 hole stretch, then 4 hole, then 5... I don't think you'd go beyond 6 because at that stage you're looking at best front 9 and best back 9.

    Great to see Carlow get a mention

    Also
    Cork 5, 6, 7
    Waterville 16, 17, 18
    Co Louth 4, 5, 6 and 12, 13, 14
    Carne - countless combinations

    I could be here all day but my favourite was the old 7, 8 and 9 at Narin & Portnoo (now 6, 7 and 8 but I've only seen them and haven't played them)


  • #5
    Dero123
    Registered Users Posts: 324 ✭✭Dero123


    16-18 in Tulfarris on a sunny day is hard to beat
    2nd-4th in Mount Juliet


  • #6
    Ally McIntosh
    Registered Users Posts: 148 ✭✭Ally McIntosh


    The reason I always rate Baltray so high in ranking panels / requests is because of the number of outstanding holes it has. I’m always a little dumbfounded by those that don’t see it.

    For me, it has two of the greatest 5 hole stretches in the country: 3 to 7 and 12 to 16. I could pick any three hole stretch from within there.

    As Kevin says, nice to see Carlow mentioned. Its best three hole stretch is 5 to 7 but I think 12, 16 & 17 are the equal in terms of individual hole quality.

    A few others I like (some more than three):

    5,6,7,8 at Donegal / Murvagh
    4,5,6 or 15,16,17 at Portrush
    14,15,16 at Portmarnock
    5,6,7 at Strandhill
    6,7,8,9,10,11 at Ballybunion
    3,4,5,6,7 at Lahinch
    12,13,14 at Rosapenna Old Tom
    11,12,13 at European
    13,14,15,16,17,18 at The Island
    7,8,9 at Carne Kilmore

    And then inland, there are few beautiful stretches like 14,15,16 at Carton O’Meara or a couple at Adare. There’s a great stretch of holes at Cork GC too.


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  • #7
    Seve OB
    Registered Users Posts: 15,823 ✭✭✭✭Seve OB


    Dero123 wrote: »
    2nd-4th in Mount Juliet

    we have a winner


  • #8
    faffingaround
    Registered Users Posts: 48 ✭faffingaround


    The 4th, 5th and 6th in Ballinasloe GC are a fantastic stretch!


  • #9
    Russman
    Registered Users Posts: 5,846 ✭✭✭Russman


    Pretty much any 3 holes on Headfort New, but let’s say 7, 8 & 9 or 2, 3 & 4.
    13, 14 & 15 on the O’Meara in Carton House
    15, 16 & 17 in Naas

    So many to choose from, it’s needle in a haystack stuff.


  • #10
    Golfhead65
    Registered Users Posts: 702 ✭✭✭Golfhead65


    16,17,18 in Bunclody


  • #11
    Miley Byrne
    Registered Users Posts: 1,376 ✭✭✭Miley Byrne


    Ally McIntosh wrote: »
    The reason I always rate Baltray so high in ranking panels / requests is because of the number of outstanding holes it has. I’m always a little dumbfounded by those that don’t see it.

    For me, it has two of the greatest 5 hole stretches in the country: 3 to 7 and 12 to 16. I could pick any three hole stretch from within there.

    As Kevin says, nice to see Carlow mentioned. Its best three hole stretch is 5 to 7 but I think 12, 16 & 17 are the equal in terms of individual hole quality.

    A few others I like (some more than three):

    5,6,7,8 at Donegal / Murvagh
    4,5,6 or 15,16,17 at Portrush
    14,15,16 at Portmarnock
    5,6,7 at Strandhill
    6,7,8,9,10,11 at Ballybunion
    3,4,5,6,7 at Lahinch
    12,13,14 at Rosapenna Old Tom
    11,12,13 at European
    13,14,15,16,17,18 at The Island
    7,8,9 at Carne Kilmore

    And then inland, there are few beautiful stretches like 14,15,16 at Carton O’Meara or a couple at Adare. There’s a great stretch of holes at Cork GC too.

    Do you really think 9 in Ballybunion deserves to be included? I love the Old Course but I actually think 9 is one of the poorest holes on that layout. The green is just not fair. If there is a right to left wind(which there normally is) then it is next to impossible to keep a ball on the putting surface. Not only that but you will end up playing a pitch shot from 20-40 yards left of green onto a tiny target.


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  • #12
    NotCarrotRidge
    Registered Users Posts: 160 ✭✭NotCarrotRidge


    Golfhead65 wrote: »
    16,17,18 in Bunclody

    I was going to say 15, 16 and 17. I don't like the 18th as much.


  • #13
    Golfhead65
    Registered Users Posts: 702 ✭✭✭Golfhead65


    NotCarrotRidge wrote: »
    I was going to say 15, 16 and 17. I don't like the 18th as much.

    The last 5 must be the best finish in any golf course


  • #14
    1 of 7
    Registered Users Posts: 31 ✭1 of 7


    Agree with a lot of the holes mentioned above but the 16th,17th and 18th at Killeen golf club are very tough and underrated.


  • #15
    NotCarrotRidge
    Registered Users Posts: 160 ✭✭NotCarrotRidge


    Golfhead65 wrote: »
    The last 5 must be the best finish in any golf course

    I'd agree.


  • #16
    ridonkulous
    Registered Users Posts: 527 ✭✭✭ridonkulous


    Golfhead65 wrote: »
    16,17,18 in Bunclody
    NotCarrotRidge wrote: »
    I was going to say 15, 16 and 17. I don't like the 18th as much.

    I know it's subjective and personal preference but you have to have the 15th ahead of the 18th... You have to! :D

    But seriously... you have to.


  • #17
    CorkBoyInDub
    Registered Users Posts: 80 ✭✭CorkBoyInDub


    Won't be the top of any list, but I really enjoy the closing three holes at Mahoneys Point Killarney.


  • #18
    PARlance
    Registered Users Posts: 21,092 ✭✭✭✭PARlance


    Wouldn't be up there with some previously mentioned
    but 3,4,5 at Rosses Point are 3 early ones to get the juices flowing.

    Keeping on track with early 3's, Ardglass 1-3 has to be up there with the best opening holes around.


  • #19
    pinkdoubleeagle
    Registered Users Posts: 935 ✭✭✭pinkdoubleeagle


    I know I am biased but 10 through to 12 in the Hermitage is a great stretch of holes


  • #20
    Hoboo
    Registered Users Posts: 3,516 ✭✭✭Hoboo


    Can't say it's the best because I haven't played some of the previously mentioned, but 14,15,16 on the OMeara in Carton house are 3 unbelievable holes in a row. Could play them on a loop for days.


  • #21
    Finlay Harp
    Registered Users Posts: 144 ✭✭Finlay Harp


    9,10,11 on the Annesley links in Royal County Down.


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  • #22
    plumber77
    Registered Users Posts: 651 ✭✭✭plumber77


    PARlance wrote: »
    Wouldn't be up there with some previously mentioned
    but 3,4,5 at Rosses Point are 3 early ones to get the juices flowing.

    Keeping on track with early 3's, Ardglass 1-3 has to be up there with the best opening holes around.

    Love the 4th


  • #23
    MarcusP12
    Registered Users Posts: 1,069 ✭✭✭MarcusP12


    plumber77 wrote: »
    Holes 15,16 and 17 Rosses Point
    Holes 12,13 and 14 Tralee
    Holes 16,17 and 18 Portumna

    Very close to what i'd have pitched but i'd have gone 11,12,13 but its been years since i played it (used to be a member)......to be honest, there are lots of 3 hole string on the back nine would be worth a mention, e.g. 16, 17 and 18 (i think they did work on 18 in recent years and is much improved?).....


  • #24
    Dayor Knight
    Registered Users Posts: 740 ✭✭✭Dayor Knight


    MarcusP12 wrote: »
    Very close to what i'd have pitched but i'd have gone 11,12,13 but its been years since i played it (used to be a member)......to be honest, there are lots of 3 hole string on the back nine would be worth a mention, e.g. 16, 17 and 18 (i think they did work on 18 in recent years and is much improved?).....

    My thoughts exactly on Tralee back nine. Couldn't leave out 12 so I'd probably go for 11, 12 13 alright. But wouldn't argue with 12, 13, 14 or as you say any other string on the back nine. What a nine holes (front nine not bad either). I just love that course.


  • #25
    MarcusP12
    Registered Users Posts: 1,069 ✭✭✭MarcusP12


    Dayor Knight wrote: »
    My thoughts exactly on Tralee back nine. Couldn't leave out 12 so I'd probably go for 11, 12 13 alright. But wouldn't argue with 12, 13, 14 or as you say any other string on the back nine. What a nine holes (front nine not bad either). I just love that course.

    Starting to regret giving up my membership now at this stage....I read an article in golf digest only today on arnie’s greatest course design and obviously Tralee was on it...they have it ranked as 3rd best course in Ireland....


  • #26
    Seve OB
    Registered Users Posts: 15,823 ✭✭✭✭Seve OB


    pinkdoubleeagle wrote: »
    I know I am biased but 10 through to 12 in the Hermitage is a great stretch of holes

    i think you are the second one to say that and i really don't understand why.

    i like 10th so don't take me up the wrong way on this, but really a great hole??? i hardly think so, tbh i would consider it more of a mickey mouse hole than a great hole
    11th is a cracking par 5

    12th, you are hitting a blind shot into a hill around a bit of a dogleg, its a decent hole, but far from a great hole


  • #27
    FixdePitchmark
    Registered Users Posts: 20,736 ✭✭✭✭FixdePitchmark


    To be honest - covid has made a mess of golf memories - and normally have a good one for course - but , It is becoming increasing longer since you played some of these courses. Above has helped.

    Just the ones that come to mind now.

    1) 11, 12 and 13 in Enniscrone
    2) 12 -13 - 14 The Island
    3) 6 - 7 - 8 The European
    4) 11- 12 - 13 The European
    5) 3 - 4 - 5 Corballis
    6) 4 - 5- 6 Esker Hills
    7) 2 - 3 - 4 Rosapenna Sandy Hills You could pick a few more runs here
    8) 15-16-17 Portmarnock Links
    9) 16-17-18 Royal Dublin
    10) 2-3-4 Mount Juilet (thanks to above)
    11) 12-13-14 Druids Glen
    12) 6 - 7 - 8 Druids Glen
    13) 13 - 14 - 15 Baltray (could pick a good few other options here)
    14) 14 - 15 - 16 Portmarnock
    15) 2- 3- 4 RCD (take your pick) About 4 more combinations
    16) 1-2-3 Portstewart - and can't fully recall but a few great runs on back nine to
    17) 15-16-17 Ballybunion
    18) Any 3 on the back 9 in Tralee - on coastal side.

    Can't fully name them at this point
    But other course with great continuous stretches.

    Tullamore
    West Waterford
    Wicklow
    Macreddin
    Galway Bay
    Strandhill
    Killeen
    Fota
    Cork
    Portarlington

    Where do you stop. We have an unreal selection of course.


  • #28
    Snotty
    Registered Users Posts: 1,298 ✭✭✭Snotty


    A 4 holes stretch instead:
    14/15/16/17 Portsalon are just great golf holes and the scenery just adds that little extra to the experience.
    Here's hoping to get back there in 2021


  • #29
    RoadRunner
    Registered Users Posts: 1,907 ✭✭✭RoadRunner


    FixdePitchmark wrote: »
    16) 1-2-3 Portstewart - and can't fully recall but a few great runs on back nine to

    Do you mean portsalon - played a few months ago? Lovely opening run (sadly played scratch, scratch, scratch, scratch, scratch :rolleyes:)


  • #30
    FixdePitchmark
    Registered Users Posts: 20,736 ✭✭✭✭FixdePitchmark


    RoadRunner wrote: »
    Do you mean portsalon - played a few months ago? Lovely opening run (sadly played scratch, scratch, scratch, scratch, scratch :rolleyes:)

    No Portstewart - Portstewart another level to Portsalon.

    Did think about Portsalon - and there are good runs from 2 - and then towards end.

    You could put one up for Portsalon - but would like to play course again.


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  • #31
    frink
    Registered Users Posts: 346 ✭✭frink


    Ones that come to mind for me:

    13-14-15 The Island
    13-14-15 Portmarnock Old
    5-6-7 Rosslare
    4-5-6 Lahinch
    4-5-6 Cork
    2-3-4 Mount Juliet
    6-7-8 Dun Laoghaire (Middle 9)
    16-17-18 Portmarnock Links
    16-17-18 K Club (Ryder Cup Setup)
    12-13-14 and 16-17-18 Druids Glen

    I just can't remember the holes but the below have a few nice stretch of holes too:
    European
    Arklow
    Woodenbridge


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