New Corballis holes make it a 'glittering gem'
The new-look Corballis course offers great golf and spectacular views
CLASSIC links golf for the masses -- that's what is on offer at Corballis in North County Dublin.
And now what was a 'little gem' has been upgraded into a 'glittering gem' thanks to the work of internationally renowned course architect, Ron Kirby.
Last Friday the official opening of four new holes -- carved out of the classic dune land alongside Donabate beach -- took place.
Designer Kirby was there to join the members and visitors who sampled the new-look Corballis.
Credit must be given to Fingal County Council, owners of the links. Local authorities around the country rarely get the praise they deserve for the fine parks and sporting facilities they make available to the public.
At Corballis, the addition of the four new holes -- strategically located as numbers four through to seven -- has greatly enhanced the links experience, and the views are spectacular.
Number four is a 103m par-three facing the sea; five is a tricky 293m par-four; six another par-three, measuring 114m, and seven is a 292m par-four.
Strategically they test skill and imagination and illustrate that length is overrated as a measure of the quality of a golf hole.
As always, the greens at Corballis were in fine shape for the official opening.
Carr Golf Services, who manage Fingal's golf facilities, commissioned Kirby to upgrade the course, and the work was carried out by European Golf Services.
All play is contained within the bounds of the Corballis property, and you'll get the chance to use every club in the bag.
But beware -- reckless play will be punished and the course rewards those who think a little before making their swing.
Cost of a game there? Well, the social welfare recipients' mid-week rate, off-peak, is only €10.
Other rates range from €11 for members to a maximum €25 for a round at weekends. And the annual sub for membership is only €370.
- Liam Kelly
