The par 72 layout measures 7,013 yards and is located a stone’s throw from the centre of Bunclody, Co Wexford, Ireland. The course follows the River Slaney, plays in and out of an old deer park and is also woven around majestic, mature oak woodland.
Unique to the development (which also incorporate limited real estate) is a thatched roof clubhouse and a lift (elevator) to transport players from the 17th green to the 18th tee.
The lift will not however take centre stage as the course itself is certain to be one of Howes’ best creations. The course opens up with a gentle series of holes (1 to 5) played in the old deer park of the Newtownbarry Estate, and water comes into play on holes 2, 3 & 5. The course then wanders down alongside the Slaney for holes 6 to 9 and these holes feature large waste type bunkers.
The back nine once again enters the deer park for holes 10 through to 12 before entering the mature oak woodland for the final 6 holes. These final holes comprise 2 par threes, 2 par fours and the par 5, 18th and are also alongside the Slaney – together these holes will make for one of the most dramatic finishing stretches anywhere in the world.
“We are delighted to have been given the opportunity to design this new course at Bunclody. The site is absolutely gorgeous, offering spectacular views and wonderful natural resources including mature woodland and the river Slaney,” comments Jeff Howes, managing director, Jeff Howes Golf Design..
“These unique elements were incorporated into the course design – more than half the holes are bordered by woodland, with additional holes played by the river – this is a Championship standard course which provides enjoyment for golfers of all abilities”
The course opened for play on 14th March, two months earlier than anticipated.
Jeff Howes Golf Design www.jhgd.com
Bunclody Golf & Fishing Club www.bunclodygfc.ie