The majority of the journey down from Newcastle to Warrenpoint is along some wonderfully deserted country lanes with glens and gorse-covered hills each side of the road. But then just before you hit Warrenpoint the sea appears like some mirage between two hills and beckons you on.
After a brief chat with Nigel the professional who gives me a lowdown on the course, I am crashing my drive down the tight tree-lined par 5, 1st hole; a five iron in and two putts and I am off to a great start. The 2nd is a wonderfully designed par 3 at 181 yards with a raised green that is protected by two bunkers at the front and two at the back with pine trees surrounding the back of the green. There are five strong par 3s on the course, but the pick of them is the 6th that is played from an elevated tee, to a raised green with a runoff at the front and four deep bunkers: two left and two right with the hills as a backdrop. It really is a stunning hole.
Top: Pond to the right of the 18th Above: LtoR 4th, 8th and 13th holes
The original 9-hole course was designed in 1893 and extended to 18 holes back in 1920. The latest redesign was undertaken by Pat Ruddy & Tom Craddock and all have used the topography of the land really well, especially the part of the course that is known locally as “Amen Corner” which starts at the 11th with a 282-yard driveable par 4, but if you are off line you will certainly pay the price. I loved the movement of the land on the 12th, 13th and 14th holes and local knowledge will certainly come into play here, but remember there is more room right than what you see from the tee.
The course comes to a fitting finale at the 440 yards, par 4, 18th which is played from an elevated tee. The hole doglegs left and the green sits next to the fountain that really shouldn’t come into play. The fairways have subtle undulations and the greens have been designed to offer some very tricky pin placements with lots of movement and complexes in them.
When you are on the course playing you get lost in the beauty of the course and it really is a little hidden gem. There is a large main road at the bottom of the course, but to be honest as I walk off the course I enjoyed it so much it didn’t even bother me and I know you’ll going to feel the same way.
