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Golf
on the Isle of Man
Scotland's golfers can be spoiled by the range of courses and scenery,
which abound within the sports acknowledged home. Why, then, bother
to even think about playing in the Isle of Man?
Simply put, golfing on this 'jewel in the Irish Sea' can be everything
that you want it to be. In other words, it can become an experience
which is personalised to satisfy your very own golfing desires.
Geographically central in the Irish Sea, this 'Gem of God's Earth',
as it has previously been described, is some thirty-three miles
long by thirteen miles wide. The island boasts a wealth of Celtic
heritage, a spectacular coastline and stunning countryside. Teeming
with a wide variety of wildlife, the Isle of Man is jealously guarding
its environmental future and conservation is nowhere more evident
than that displayed by the care and attention which is, daily, lavished
upon the island's golf-courses. Even the two so-called municipal
courses will put many a private course, elsewhere, to shame.
 There
are fantastic views from all over Castletown golf course, with three
sides adjacent to the sea. Castletown is one of the few links courses
in the UK that is fortunate to boast views of the sea from every
hole. The final three run alongside the Irish Sea.
With a mixture of undulating holes, both long and short, Douglas
is a fitting course for all standards of golfer. Visiting golfers
will have a good chance of putting a score together as the frequent
number of par threes can make this a rewarding game of golf.
The 17th sees you tee up from an elevated tee playing your shot
towards a green that is 200 feet below. Unquestionably, this is
a gem of a hole and one of the best on the island.
The attraction of the James Braid designed Peel golf course is
the stream which runs through the third, fourth, 16th, 17th and
finally back to the 18th. It somehow adds a bit of character to
the layout and, of course, comes into play on a few occasions.
Set in 200 acres of stunning Manx countryside whilst also being
within a ten minute drive of the airport and Douglas lies Mount
Murray Hotel and Country Club.
The golf course is championship standard and comprises of spectacular
views, well looked after contoured fairways and lush greens. Sitting
at 6, 332 yards it is a challenge for all golfers and certainly
one to relish.
Founded in 1803, Port St Mary is the only nine on the island that
offers you the opportunity to beat your outward score with your
inward score. Widely regarded as the best view of the Manx isle,
the sixth tee offers panoramic views that are to be missed.
Boasting their ex club champion as Nigel Mansell, those at Ramsay
are rather proud of both their club history and their course. The
first six and the last two holes are over undulating grounds divided
by a brook, while the remaining ten are set in wooded parkland against
a backdrop of beautiful scenery. The par five first hole is a real
challenge, especially if you are playing into the wind.
 As
a newcomer to the area Glen Truan is without doubt a welcome addition
to the golfing world. The course, in a naturally sheltered area,
includes a trout-stocked lake, ancient dunes, and glacial deposits
and in the rare wet spells, will make the most of its natural drainage.
All the island's golf clubs are known for their friendliness and
are well equipped to cater for the discerning golfer and whilst
green-fees vary, most courses offer a daily rate.
So for a golfing holiday that's away from the usual norm, the
Isle of Man provides a wonderful sanctuary for your golfing needs. |
Welsh Golf Courses 
