To the south of the river Liffey and only a wedge from the Palmer Course at the K Club lies the spectacular Smurfit Course. As it emerges from the shadows of it's more illustrious neighbour in hosting the flagship Smurfit European Open for the foreseeable future the Smurfit Course is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the best inland links style courses in the country.
The course itself is defined by it's dramatic landscaping, sweeping fairways and devilishly positioned bunkers which all give it the feel of a links style design. The outward nine are not exactly what you would call an easy introduction as the player is confronted from the outset by testing driving holes and large undulating greens, which are cleverly protected by often cavernous bunkering. The par 5 seventh hole is the signature hole of the course and from the moment you set foot on the tee box you will understand why. From the back sticks, the first thing to catch your eye is the imposing manmade quarry which dominates the player's eye line for the entire hole and has the effect of making the fairway seem a very narrow target from the tee! As you plot your way up through the fairway expect a large well protected undulating green in waiting, if anyone offers you five here, take it!
The true teeth of Palmer's design are seen as you tackle the back nine. From hole 13 onwards you are faced with almost 14 acres of water in the holes that follow, stray not too far offline and a watery grave awaits. The back nine comes to a dramatic finish at 18 where your drive needs to be taken over the corner of the large expanse of water which runs along the left, a true hookers graveyard, too far right and the ensuing fescue will prevent any attempt to reach the green in two. Once the fairway is found it's decision time, whether to sensibly lay up or take on a shot to an island green for a chance at eagle!
Make no mistake about it, the Smurfit is a perfect complement to the it's sister course and offers a very unique challenge that few courses inland courses can offer in the country.
Situated just outside Straffan village. Travelling west on the N4 route from Dublin, take Maynooth exit and turn left to Straffan. From the main N7 route, take turn at Kill village for Straffan.
To the south of the river Liffey and only a wedge from the Palmer Course at the K Club lies the spectacular Smurfit Course. As it emerges from the shadows of it's more illustrious neighbour in hosting the flagship Smurfit European Open for the foreseeable future the Smurfit Course is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the best inland links style courses in the country.
