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County Louth
Year Established
1892
Designed by
Messrs Pentland & Gilroy / Tom Simpson / Donald Steel and Tom Mackenzie
Location
Dublin & East Ireland
Address
Baltray, Drogheda, Co. Louth A92 HK03, Ireland
About County Louth Golf Club
Located at Baltray at the mouth of the River Boyne, which was once a tiny fisherman’s village, you'll find County Louth golf club just north of the lovely medieval town of Drogheda. The club was established in 1892 and sits on a glorious 190-acre plot. It’s a classic seaside links golf course, with a reputation as one of the finest and most enjoyable in Ireland.
The current layout remains largely unchanged from its original 1938 design, laid out by the famous golf course architect Tom Simpson. It consists of two nine hole loops that wind their way through sand dunes and take in blissful sea views. The sheer variety of play is such that no two holes seem to play in the same direction.
County Louth tee times are sorely in demand and it’s no surprise why: unspoilt seaside landscapes and enormous sand hills combine with killer rough, and a number of really long holes that demand powerful hitting. Some say this course is one of the best kept secrets of Irish golf. Others say it's one of the most enjoyable Links in Ireland, since there isn't a single weak hole to be had. We agree – it's special.
A Brief History
- A huge course designed by Tom Simpson and Molly Gourlay in 1938
- Laid out in 2 loops of 9 holes each
- Just 50 man-made bunkers – the rest of the defences are wholly natural
- Home of two of the greatest female players in history, Clarrie Tiernan and Philomena Garvey
- In 1985 the holes were re-numbered to create a new starting position
- In 2003 Donald Steel and Company upgraded the course with Tom Simpson fan Tom MacKenzie at the helm, adding some new tees to increase the yardage
Featured hole – Hole 14
A County Louth golf experience is one which delivers plenty of thrills. Take the 14th hole at Louth, widely regarded as the signature hole. It's a very short Par-4 measuring a mere 332 yards, which means you can easily drive your way to the green, ending up taking six or more shots and scratching your head over what you did wrong. Perhaps you were distracted by the legendary views? If so, you wouldn't be the only one.
Known For: Challenging Holes
Play County Louth golf club and you'll soon realise that complacency is not the name of its game. Two loops of nine holes, each running in a different direction, adds quirkiness to what is actually a very fine traditional links course. Add the fact that Louth is well known for some of the best greens in Ireland and you have a worthy challenge to take on. The back nine holes are absolutely superb, some very close to the seashore, and if you avoid three-putting for 18 holes you’ll have a claim as a genuinely great putter.
