Lough Erne Resort

Lough Erne is the second Nick Faldo-designed course I have played – the other being being the now-closed Roco Ki in the Dominican Republic – and I feel Nick could become one of the best course designers of this era. It is set in a beautiful part of the country between Castle Hume Lough and Lower Lough Erne, and as at Roco Ki Nick has been truly blessed with the land he has been given to work with.

The course he has produced is not only beautiful on the eye but is an awesome test of golf. With five different tees to choose from, this track can measure from 7,167 yards from the black tees to 5,015 from the reds, and is a tough test from them all. There is really no weak hole on the course but make sure you grab something to eat at the superb halfway hut. You’ll probably need it after the 637-yard, par 5 9th that plays to a narrow green thats angled across you, but the back nine just gets tougher.



Top: The beautiful 10th hole sitting on the lough. Above LtoR: 1st, 6th and 18th holes

Castle Hume Lough and its wetland areas come into play on many of the holes so you will need to plot your way around the course and depending what teeing options you choose, your short game will need to be on point. There are some great par 3s here, but not too many courses have one as their finishing hole and this baby can wreck a good scorecard with one bad tee shot. Named “Cygnets Rest,” and weighing in at 228 yards, you need to avoid sand on the left and water on the right!

One of the main images you would have seen from Lough Erne is the 351-yard 10th hole, which doglegs right with the green sitting in the water like an infinity pool. Another beautiful hole is “Forest Drive” which is the 2nd hole that also doglegs right from the edge of the Lough. And make sure your phone has some battery power left by the time you reach “Faldo Turn” - the 16th has some stunning views out over the estate.

Back in the Loughside Bar next to the crackling open fire after your round, you are sure to be planning your next round or trip. I have loved my time in Northern Ireland, not just for the many wonderful golf courses but also some culinary delights and great nights out.



Above: Uphill approach to the plateau green at the 15th