County Sligo Golf Club

As the course turns for home along the sea, the stretch of holes from the 11th onward are both exciting and exacting. The 13th is a brilliant one-shotter that’s played across a patch of scraggy inlet with an enchanting view of the surrounding landscape. It’s the burn behind the green, however, that is sure to make one uneasy, especially given the hole is typically played downwind.

Ahead we find the 14th, a cracking par-4 that is regarded as Tom Watson’s favorite on the course, and yet again features an appearance by the pesky burn. Meanwhile, the 17th is home to one of the most demanding 2nd shots anywhere, which is played uphill, blind, to an amphitheater green surrounded by the towering dunes. It’s right about now that you may begin to long for the delightfully easy stroll Rosses Point offered on the front nine.

Although it is somewhat unheralded when set amongst the great links of Ireland, County Sligo is not without its own rich history. Rosses Point has played host to the West of Ireland Amateur since 1924 - a coveted title in the amateur game that was previously won in consecutive years by some kid named McIlroy.

When asked to describe County Sligo, Tom Watson simply called it “A magnificent links.” A short and sweet description, absent of hyperbole, but one that seems to perfectly describe County Sligo. Put simply, what took this piece nearly 500 words, the five time Open champion was able to do in just three.