Baltray to host Irish Open

It is fantastic news to hear that the Nissan Irish Open next year is going to be played on another links course. Baltray, or County Louth golf club to give it its official name is one of the Country’s oldest courses.

It was established in 1892 and in an article in 1962 in the “Golfers Companion” the course was described as “natural unspoilt seaside territory with towering sand hills, murderous rough, and a rating of long holes that call for powerful hitting.” In more recent times "Golf World" magazine spoke of Baltray as one of the bestkept secrets of Irish golf and one of the most enjoyable Links in Ireland that undoubtedly represents superb value. There is not a weak hole on the course and some of the holes merit greatness claimed the article.

The present course was designed in 1938 by the renowned Tom Simpson. The course is laid out in two loops covering some 190 acres with no two holes running in the same direction.

The only exception being the 12th and 13th which run along the sea. It speaks highly for Simpson's design that he saw need to introduce only fifty bunkers in the course's defences the rest was taken care of by the natural terrain. The 14th hole is regarded as the signature hole a short par four measuring only 332 yards you can drive all the way to the green and end up taking six or more, wondering what did you actually do that was wrong. The four par threes are superb. Averaging 160 yards it is seldom one will have a good score that does not include a par at each of these.

In 1985 the numerical order in which the holes were laid out was slightly altered to accommodate a new starting position. Other than that little has changed from 1938. It measures 6820 yards and is a par 72.

Baltray traditionally hosts the East of Ireland amateur championship and is a former club of Ryder Cup player Paul McGinley. He also won the Irish PGA title there in 2000 and is pleased the European Tour have selected the course for next July's tournament.

"I briefed the European Tour as best I could and I am delighted the tournament is going there," said McGinley. "Everyone loves playing Baltray. Courses like the K Club and Mount Juliet are great parkland courses but Baltray is very popular."

Darren Clarke, who won the Irish Close and East of Ireland titles at Baltray in 1990 before he turned professional, is another fan. "It's a really good course, one of my favourites. I played a lot there as an amateur and the greens were always in brilliant condition," he said. "I'm glad is being played on a links course again. The Irish Open should always be played on links. We have some of the best courses in the world and we should be utilising them."

It promises to be a magical week and the tournament retains its slot in the week after the British Open in 2004.

The tournament takes place from July 22-25th next

If you would like to find out more on any of the courses, or if you want package information, contact travel@irelandgolf.com or call 00 353 66 71 23733.