Course of the Week - Howth

Welcome to? a picturesque heathland course on the slopes of Howth Head, offering stunning views of Dublin Bay to the south and the Co Dublin coast to the north.

Course lowdown: Natural gorse and heathers provide the course?s best defence. The layout places a premium on shot-making and demands the use of all 14 clubs in the bag. As with all coastal courses, the elements play a key role in how testing your round at Howth will be. The toughest hole is the 13th. A testing approach shot to a two-tiered green protected by severe slopes. From the 15th, the best par 3, you must hit to a green which has Dublin Bay as a backdrop. Depending on the wind, it can be anything from a 3 to an 8-iron.

Stats: par 71, SSS 69, 6,521 yards

Green fee: ?50 per round (Ladies' day Wed, competitions Sat/Sun)

Location: Carrickbrack Road, Sutton, Dublin, Ireland

History: Howth was opened in 1916 with Braid redesigning the course in 1928. He agreed a fee of 25 guineas plus expenses for his work.

T: 00353 1839 2617

W: www.howthgolfclub.ie