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Irish Open: Testing holes at Killarney

Irish Open: Philip Reid's guide to the most testing holes at Killarney Golf Club

Thu Jul 29 2010 - 01:00

Irish Open: Philip Reid'sguide to the most testing holes at Killarney Golf Club

5th (454 yards, par 4)

AFTER a run of four opening holes which offer tremendous birdie chances, the fifth hole will attempt to halt any momentum. It is probably the strongest driving hole on the course – the tee-shot must be guided between two large trees – with trees lining the left of the fairway and a drain and bunkering down the right. The green is elevated and anyone missing the putting surface will do well to get up and down to save par.

10th (171 yards, par 3)

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ONE of the most scenic holes on the course, this short hole has the potential to ruin any card. It is a tricky test, with the lake coming right up to the back of the green and a water hazard coming into play on the front left. A lone tree stands guard over the right-hand side for any pushed shots. Most players will seek to find the putting surface and two-putt for par rather than be too greedy on the tee-shot.

11th (486 yards, par 4)

BACK in 1992, when Nick Faldo completed back-to-back Irish Open titles on the course, the 11th played as a 511-yards par five. These days, though, the pros would gobble up such an offering. So, although it remains a par five for members, the hole will play as a long par four of 486 yards, which should make it one of the more difficult in the championship. Players will require a long and accurate drive and will likely require anything between a four- and six-iron approach to a long and undulating green.

17th (389 yards, par 4)

“THIS is where the tournament will be won and lost,” says Rory McIlroy, of a hole which is short by modern standards, but asks serious questions of players on the approach. The priority off the tee is for accuracy down the left side of the fairway rather than length, as players will probably have no more than a wedge in their hands for the approach to a shallow, elevated green, protected by a deep bunker. The margin of error is slim, as players finding the front of the green are liable to spin off, while any approach over-hit will leave an extremely difficult up and down.