Westport Golf Club is one of Ireland’s finest parkland courses. A highly regarded championship venue, the Club is the three-time host of the Irish Amateur Close Championship.
Women & Golf visited a wonderful golf course recently - Westport Golf Club in County Mayo - part of their Wild Atlantic Way trip. Situated five minutes drive from Westport town, the course is set in the scenic splendour of 260 acres of undulating parklands on the shores of Clew Bay with breath-taking views of Croagh Patrick.
History
Located in the shadow of Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holy mountain, the course boasts fantastic views of the surrounding area from its elevated position above the shore of Clew Bay. Fred W. Hawtree redesigned the current course in 1973. He said of Westport, “the nature of the terrain, part inland and part seaside, the panorama which it commands and its considerable golfing virtues, make it uniquely attractive and memorable.”
Course
The 18-hole course provides something for every golfer. There are a mix of generous fairways, natural challenges and rolling undulations. We definitely recommend a few practice putts before you head out as the greens ran quick. There are elements of water but these only come into play after the 9th. There are no big hills to contend with but buggies are available to hire.
Holes to watch
There are some lovely holes at Westport. It is a really serene place to play golf among the trees in the first nine then a turn of the corner and you are out at sea. Playing along the shores of Clew Bay with the imposing Croagh Patrick on the horizon. Don't be fooled by the quietness. Some of the holes have a bite. Some seemingly innocuous holes can be dangerous.
Memorable holes for me:
I liked the dog leg holes on 13th and 15th, and the unusual tee shot on the 10th with a tree in your eyeline. For some reason the apparently easy Par 3s proved my greatest problem!
12th - Par 3 (SI 7) - 199 yds. Downhill tee shot where controlling the ball off the wind coming from Clew Bay is vital. Once you are past that only danger is a green well guarded by bunkers.
14th - Par 3 (SI 17) - 135 yds. A sheltered tee box hides the fact you are extremely exposed to the wind once you walk towards a green surrounded by bunkers. Do not go long, you'll lose your ball!
15th - Par 5 (SI 13) - 408 yds. Actually played this from the yellow tees as the red tee is a slightly easier shot with no water to contend with. Club selection important as the wind can be cruel - don't be short.
The Clubhouse
The 19th at Westport Golf Club is made more memorable by the panoramic views on offer of the 9th and 18th holes as well as Croagh Patrick, Clew Bay and Clare Island.
There is a wide range of dining options, including a Breakfast and Lunch Menu, as well as an extensive Snack Menu and Daily Specials ( I can highly recommend the Club Sandwich).
You get a warm welcome with friendly service in a casual atmosphere. A perfect venue for post-round refreshments.
Course Feedback
And what did we think of the course?
Jane: "Westport is one of those golf courses that initially seems like a course that is going to be straightforward and nothing to write home about. Fortunately, that was not the case. The course is tougher than it looks. It is not the kind of course to play with a borrowed putter, but that's another story!
In excellent condition - tees, fairways and greens - it was a delight to play. The back nine stretch of four holes (12th-15th) along Clew Bay were testing and dramatic. Particularly as Croagh Patrick made a wonderful back drop.
Would definitely go back!
Course Information
The 18-hole Championship course measures 5,711 yards off the red tees with six par-five holes. Westport is a demanding track that will test even the longest of hitters off the tee. The course is part-parkland, part-seaside and has some unusual holes that require a certain amount of courses management. The vistas to Croagh Partrick and across Clew Bay can be beautiful and dramatic.
Club hire | Buggy Hire | Caddie Hire | Pro shop | Changing rooms | Clubhouse Bar & Food | Handicap required
Tee Time Information & Prices
It's easy to book a tee time online but get in touch with the Club if you are looking to book for a group. An individual green starts vary depending on the season, but there are discounts available depending on the time and day you play.
Visitor Information
Visitors are welcome to play the course all the year round. Click here for latest prices and open competitions.
Contact Information
Address: Golf Course Road, Carrowholly, Westport, Co. Mayo, F28 VY07 Ireland [click here for map]
Tel: +353 (098) 28262
Website: westportgolfclub.ie
Email: [email protected]
Fascinating Fact: Westport Golf Club was designed by Hawtree. The firm started by Fred's father in 1912 is the longest continuous practice of golf course construction and design on record.
Thanks to Lady Captain Anne Corcoran for her warm welcome
Jane was a guest of Tourism Ireland & Failte Ireland on a British Golf Media trip to the Wild Atlantic Way showcasing the depth & diversity of golf in the counties of Mayo & Sligo.
