Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort Review

Review by Golfshake Ambassador Andrew Picken

Situated in Wicklow, Druids Glen is an acclaimed venue that comes Highly Recommended on Golfshake, with a main course that has an extensive competitive pedigree at the highest level. It was the host for the Irish Open from 1996 to 1999 and the Seve Trophy in 2002.

Nestled in 360 acres between the Wicklow mountains and the Irish Sea, the location is fantastic. It is only 30 minutes from Dublin. The facility boasts 145 spacious guest rooms that are extremely well appointed. The Spa and associated health clubs also add greatly to the overall package.

Combine this with two excellent golf courses and this is a travelling golfer's heaven sent venue. I didn’t get to play the Druids Heath but looking at its layout, it still provides an interesting addition to the gem that is Druids Glen.

Front 9 Overview

The opening hole descends away from the clubhouse into a peaceful and tranquil course. I really enjoyed the par three holes throughout the course and the 2nd was a decent challenge so early into proceedings. 190 yards from the back tees made for a stout test.

The 4th at 446 yards is a decent par four that dog-legs left to right protected by excellent bunkering at its elbow. A good golf hole.

The 8th is another example of the superb short holes on this course.166 yards off the championship tee, this offers many opportunities for failure or success.

When you visit please take the time to literally smell the roses as there are hidden sculptures and great visual features littered all around. Do check out the sculpture watching proceedings on this green tucked away behind a stony outcrop.

Back 9 Overview

Our match was very closely fought and we reached the turn one up. The 10th is a challenging par four requiring accurate placement off the tee to give any chance of an approach into a well bunkered green.

The 12th is a real stunner! Visually intimidating with well-placed water hazards and a green that is difficult to reach and hold.

Stroke Index 1, the 13th is a length par four. The line is over the bushes at the elbow of the water hazard but don’t take it too far as the cliffs then come into play. The fun doesn’t stop there as the approach to the green is guarded by a swathe of water. Lay up or get wet seems to be the choices for the average golfer. A brilliantly conceived hole that is superbly conditioned. Despite submerging my first attempt into the green I loved this hole as it gave so many options for strategy. Memorable.

The next three holes are well designed with water in play on each. The expanses of water are in play from the tee and for the approach shots and it offers a real test at all levels. The 17th is another stunning short hole requiring accuracy under pressure off the tee. The birdie I recorded was very satisfying and a real treat.

Finally, the 18th heads towards the clubhouse and then the final view from the roof of the clubhouse showing the route you have taken. What a lovely, yet challenging closing hole to an excellent golf course.

Post-Round Thoughts

The clubhouse, pro shop and restaurant are excellent in all respects. The cuisine was superb and this is a venue I would happily visit again and again.

I was able to award Druids Glen with a Highly Recommended status on your behalf given the quality of the independent reviews submitted by our subscribers.

This is a course that has set itself high standards in all respects and it met them in spades during my visit. It was an absolute pleasure to visit this facility and the Guinness post round was savoured with relish as we recorded a point for the English team in our event.

Verdict

I really enjoyed the course and its conditioning and horticulture were simply superb.

The use of plants and trees add value and interest to the course was a real feature that I enjoyed. The use of Gaelic symbolism also adds value to this already interesting and well- maintained layout.

Make sure that you take time out to visit the changing rooms as there are different displays built into them illustrating the history and culture of the area prior to its use as a golf clubhouse.

Overall Rating – 9

Course (Conditions) - 9

Course (Hole Variety/Layout) - 9

Course (Green Condition) - 8

Course (Challenge/Difficulty) - 9

Club Facilities & 19th/Clubhouse - 9

Practice Facilities - 8

Friendliness/Hospitality - 10

Pace of Play - 7

Value for Money - 9