Fairway to golfing heaven

Apr 26 2009 by Gordon Barr, Sunday Sun

TREVOR PEAKE follows in Greg Norman’s footsteps and spends “tee time” in Ireland . . .

“IF I spend the rest of my life designing courses I don’t think I’ll find a comparable site anywhere,” said Australian superstar Greg Norman after his first sighting of the dunes bordering Doughmore Bay, County Clare which were to become Doonbeg, a new jewel in the West of Ireland’s golfing crown.

“It’s spectacular land made by God,” he added.

A product of the creative genius of Norman and the development experience of Kiawah Development Partners from South Carolina in America, Doonbeg’s rolling seaside dunes were identified as ideal for a links course back in 1892 by officers of the Scottish Black Watch Regiment, stationed in the area.

Legend has it that Doonbeg was their first choice but nearby Lahinch was more accessible by road and rail services, so the fabled Lahinch links was born

Destined to be no less fabled is Norman’s creation, with unusually five par fives and five par threes in its 18 holes.

Doonbeg accommodation is in privately owned suites and cottages, made available when members are not in residence.

We stayed in the magnificent Lodge. The stunning stone building overlooks the Atlantic and the mouth of the Skivileen River.

With its old wooden beams, traditional fireplaces, oak and pine flooring and antique furniture, it has been built from scratch with every attention to detail.

Similarly the 32 adjacent suites and the cottages are sumptuous with some of the cottages having four extra large bedrooms

Darby’s Pub is the place for a quick meal and a few drinks while The Long Room offers gourmet cuisine.

Greg Norman’s “spectacular” comment starts from the first tee with the dunes funnelling you towards the sheltered green 540 yards away from the white tees we played off on a very damp and windy day.