Golf

County Sligo Golf Club. Founded in 1894 on land leased from an uncle of W. B. Yeats, and one of Ireland's grand old venues, the popular County Sligo coastal links course is situated in the heart of Yeats Country at Rosses Point, a seaside village 8 km (5 miles) north of Sligo Town. Ominous Ben Bulben mountain (best viewed from the par-5 3rd hole) dominates the northern views on this infamously windy course, which will test any player's ability to keep the ball low off the tee. In recent years many improvements have been made which has led to the strategic repositioning of eight bunkers on the championship course. The signature 17th hole—a long par-4 with a steeply uphill green–-was extended to make it more player-friendly. Coastal erosion and three separate storms in early 2020 caused damage to the dunes; the Atlantic is edging ever closer to the course, with the 16th green just eight paces from the sea at high tide—a fence to the right of the par-three 16th was washed into the sea and another section close to the 17th has lost in the region of eight meters. Climate crisis aside, a remarkable feature of the course is the array of wildlife; it teems with flora and fauna, a wonderful distraction for visitors. Big-hitting names in the golfing world, including Sir Nick Faldo, Padraig Harrington, Rory McIlroy, and the 2019 British Open winner Shane Lowry are honorary members. On Saturday the course is open to members only until noon, after which time visitors may play. Rosses Point, Sligo, Co. Sligo. 071/917–7134; www.countysligogolfclub.ie. Apr.–Oct., Sun.--Fri. 18 holes €195, Sat. €210; 9 holes €25.