County Louth Golf Club

Nestled along the shore of the Irish Sea between Dublin and Royal County Down, the County Louth Golf Club - known to locals as Baltray - was formed in 1892, with the current links arriving nearly half a century later. In 1938, Tom Simpson transformed the original Baltray links into one of Ireland’s most delightful courses, albeit one that’s literally and figuratively off the well worn path. A description which could easily apply to another Simpson course in the dunes near Aberdeen: Cruden Bay.

There’s a sense of isolation that pervades throughout the experience at Baltray. From the journey to seemingly the middle of nowhere to the expansive links itself, County Louth has a way of removing the golfer from the outside world. The further the course leads from the clubhouse, the more prevalent that isolation grows and, without coincidence, the stronger the golf becomes as well.

Simply put, County Louth is good, solid links golf. Unlike Cruden Bay, Simpson’s layout places nearly all of the challenges directly in front of the golfer. There are no blind par-3s or bathtub greens - although the brilliant putting surface at the par-5 3rd hole could pass as a punchbowl - just a group of fine holes that will test every aspect of the golfer’s game. The collection of par-3s are truly noteworthy, while the nuanced greens are often regarded among the best in Ireland. Although Baltray chooses subtlety over the sensational, the view from the 14th tee will have no trouble finding a home in the memory bank.