“Rosslare is a true links course with challenging holes matched with some spectacular scenery, but still playable”
A lonely links in Ireland’s south east corner. There’s almost a siren call to play it and we were more than happy to be lured.
Arriving at Rosslare Golf Club, just outside the small and popular tourist town, provided us with a quick dose of deception. The clubhouse has tall pines standing around it, along the 1st hole and beside the 2nd green. After that, we discovered, they vanish. After that the roar of the links can be heard. Rosslare is not well known, despite its 1905 origins. Its location puts it off the beaten track both in terms of visiting it or passing it on the way to another club. It means that visitor numbers are not as high as they should be. With 30 holes (the 12-hole Burrow is bunkerless) and genuine hospitality there’s no doubt more golfers should come. It doesn’t take long to get into the swing of things here and as we passed the fairway bunker on the dogleg 1st we got to see the high dune that runs the length of the links. It separates course from sea.
The serious links rhythm and challenges kick in on the 3rd and by the 7th we were left reeling from some gloriously natural holes. The 6th is one of those quirky short holes, bending around a dune to an unseen target. The hole that follows could be an artist’s impression of a perfect par-5. Sadly, our brush strokes weren’t up to the task.
To be honest, the stretch of holes from 3 to 7 is worth the green fee alone but that might suggest the remaining holes aren’t so good.
They are, and Rosslare presented us with a thoroughly engaging day out from start to finish.
How to get there?
Located in Rosslare, the club is easily accessible via the M11 (which now bypasses Enniscorthy) and then merges west of Wexford town, with the N25 from New Ross. Follow the N25 to Killinick, before taking the R740.
It’s a one hour and 45 minutes from the M50’s Red Cow Roundabout.
Tee Times?
Visit www.rosslaregolfclub.com for more info or to book a tee time.
Round costs?
€45 for 18 holes mid week, and €60 at weekends. Winter rates are €30-€35. The Burrow course costs €15-€25 and has one of the best par-3s you’ll play.
For any enquiries, check out www.rosslaregolfclub.com