One of Ireland’s impressive new parklands (2006), New Forest has lots of space around its equally impressive clubhouse… a restored 18th century manor house. The drive up to it sets the tone as you see the ease with which the course flows over the parkland estate.One of New Forest’s great advantages is that it is both formidable and fun to play. You’ll certainly need your driver as fairways coast along the heavily wooded perimeter, around ponds and marshes, over streams and under bridges. The biggest challenge, however, comes on the approach as green complexes are creatively shaped and heavily bunkered.
Many holes are noteworthy and the stretch from the 2nd to the 6th is an appetising start. The approach shot to the par four 13th is the shot of the day, with the green sitting by a pond and embraced by towering trees, but New Forest is all about an easy, fun and flowing rhythm.
Favourite Hole: at Index 2, the par four 4th demands a big, straight drive. A stream and woodland line the left but that same stream fronts the green so only a perfect approach will do.
What’s in the Bag? If you miss greens you’ll need an excellent short game.
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http://www.destinationgolf.travel/dgireland-16/