Chris and Paul are off to Estoril, near the beach in Cascais, one of the oldest courses in Portugal. Paul and Chris play the 6th hole, a par 5, an uphill hole beautifully lined by traditional trees. To finish a wonderful day, Paul and Chris have a 007 cocktail in the Spies Bar at the Hotel Estoril in Cascais, famous for being the inspiration for the James Bond novels.
Chris ventures north of Lisbon airport to Praia D’El Rey, a wonderful wild links course. The area, popular with surfers, is windswept and rugged, where Chris plays the 13th hole, a tricky par 4.
Episode Five starts near Lisbon, at Penha Longa, in the beautiful Cascais area. This hilltop course offers Paul and Chris, a chance to play the sixth hole, a dogleg par 4. Paul recounts his experiences playing in major competitions including a round with Seve Ballesteros.
Lahinch Golf Club, situated next to the lovely beach of Liscannor Bay, is an enchanting place to play golf. Views across the bay from the 3rd are uplifting, and you need to watch out for the goats on the old course! Lahinch Golf Club staged the Irish Open in 2019 for the first time.
Paul calls Lahinch “the St Andrews of Ireland”. He chooses the short par 4, 13th. He calls it the best risk and reward hole in Ireland. You can just about reach the green with a good drive and that’s the where the fun and the challenge begins!
PGA National Ireland Slieve Russell is one of only 8 PGA National designated resorts in the world and its highly acclaimed 18-hole championship course & 9 Hole ‘PGA National’ Academy course forms part of the magnificent 300-acre Slieve Russell Estate. Created by the late highly-regarded Irish golf architect Patrick Merrigan, the layout’s clever design wraps attractively around the lakes and drumlins of the County Cavan landscape.
The home of the legendary Solheim cup star Leona Maguire. Chris plays the stunning Par 5, 13th. Every shot is a tough one, with a lake playing its part for the length of the hole.
Malone Golf Club is situated five miles south of Belfast in the lower Lagan Valley at Ballydrain. This spacious beauty, set in 270 acres of mature oaks and sycamores, rolling terrain, the river Lagan to the east and the 27-acre Ballydrain Lake the centrepiece of the second nine, is definitely one to play if you are in Northern Ireland.
Paul and Chris play the wonderful par 3, 15th. It’s like a mini-Augusta with the colours and the water protecting a small green. It’s only a short hole and looks easy but there is danger everywhere!
Nestled in the heart of 1,100-acres of private parkland in Maynooth County Kildare, Carton House Golf is a respite from the outside world and yet is just 25 mins from Dublin Airport. Home to two championship courses, you can choose from the classic parkland O’Meara which meanders through ancient woodlands and the banks of the river Rye or play on the soil many a legend has with the challenge of the inland links Montgomerie.
Chris plays the 18th of the Montgomerie course. Monty was famous of this accuracy off the tee and that’s what’s required on this Par 5. It’s reachable in two but don’t let it fade left into the river. Look out for the view of Carton House from the green.
Killarney Golf & Fishing Club is one of Ireland’s most prestigious and historic golf clubs. Located in Killarney National Park, surrounded by the lakes of Lough Leane, Killarney Golf & Fishing Club is a Four-Time host to the Irish Open and home to two 18-hole championship courses.
Paul plays the 18th at Mahony’s point. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, this is THE place to play. It may only be 130-yards long, but every inch is golfing paradise. The biggest test is not being distracted by the views.