Druids Glen

Druids Glen, in County Wicklow, is one of Ireland’s best known courses, admired for its beautiful landscaping and elegant atmosphere. Often called the Augusta of Europe, it was designed by Pat Ruddy and Tom Craddock and opened in 1995 on the estate of Woodstock House, a 16th-century house that forms the backdrop to the 18th hole.

The fairways wind through mature woodland, lakes, streams and flower beds, so the round is a real visual experience. It is a par 72 of 7,222 yards that offers a balanced challenge, with well protected greens that reward accuracy more than length. The most famous holes are the 12th, a par 3 with a Celtic cross below the tee and stone bridges over the stream, the 13th, a demanding par 4 from a high tee with the stream on the right, and the 17th, a par 3 to an island green. The greens were recently rebuilt and a new irrigation system installed.

Druids Glen has hosted four Irish Opens, with winners including Colin Montgomerie and Sergio Garcia, as well as the 2002 Seve Trophy. In 2005 it was named European Golf Resort of the Year.