Mullingar Golf Club is one of those golf courses that if located elsewhere, would probably be rated as one of the very top parkland venues in Ireland. A misguided international perception however, appears to discount the Irish midlands as a quality golf destination but with courses such as Mullingar, Esker Hills, Birr and Glasson, nothing could be further from the truth. Set in an area of beautiful parkland, Mullingar Golf Club, which was designed by five times British Open winner James Braid, moved to its present location in 1937.
And while there is little doubt that in common with other creations of the time, Mullingar has suffered somewhat from the frenzied advances in golf equipment, it has survived better than most due to its location in the heavily wooded Belvedere demesne. All bunkers have been enlarged in recent years and some new strategically placed ones have been incorporated into the course. The par four 11th and 17th holes have been extended, while the short 2nd hole, rated by Christy O'Connor Sr. as one of the finest inland par threes in Ireland, probably remains the signature hole.
On hitting a short iron approach to the first green at Mullingar and having heard that the par four 6th hole is almost driveable, you could be forgiven for believing that you were in for a gentle test. All notions of this however, are quickly dispelled when surveying your tee shot to a small target at the long par three 2nd hole. Upon first viewing the site, course designer James Braid, was convinced of its potential as a golf course and wrote: "Practically every hole would be different in character, the contour being sufficiently undulating to provide some splendid positions for green, whilst the turf is excellent for fairways." Rest assured that Braid's prophesies have proved correct.
The course plays annual host to the highly regarded Mullingar Scratch Cup and over the years, the cream of amateur talent throughout Ireland and Britain has each discovered the menace that lurks beyond the gentle opening hole. It is said that every great course produces great champions and if this is the case, then Mullingar is right up there with the very best. Past winners have included Joe Carr, Peter Townsend, Philip Walton (when he shot a course record final round of 63 in 1982), Darren Clarke, Paul McGinley and Padraig Harrington.
ONLINE GOLF TRAVEL RATING
Mullingar is one of Ireland's oldest and finest parkland golf courses. If it were located in Dublin or the southwest, then it would no doubt be of greater renown but be very clear that Mullingar is an excellent course and well worth a visit.
Situated approximately 55 miles west of Dublin and just over three miles south of Mullingar Town, off the main N52 route from Mullingar to Tullamore.
NEARBY RESTAURANTS:
The Restaurant at Crookedwood House, Crookedwood, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. Tel: (353) 44 72165. Email: cwoodhse@iol.ie. Award winning restaurant recognised as the premier dining out venue in the midlands.
Oscars Restaurant, Oliver Plunkett Street, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. Tel: (353) 44 44909. Bistro style restaurant with nice casual atmosphere and an open kitchen always a good sign.
Woodville House Restaurant, Gaybrook, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. Tel: (353) 44 43694. Highly recommended restaurant serving excellent cuisine in a nice environment.
Fat Cats Brasserie, Market Square, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. Tel: (353) 44 49969. Offers a relaxing atmosphere in which to enjoy modern style, freshly prepared cuisine.
