Lough Erne

By Harry Emanuel Last updated: 13th September 2011

In terms of beauty and enjoyment.there are few courses that can rival The Faldo Championship Course that winds its way along the shores of the lake at Lough Erne Golf Resort in Co Fermanagh in North West Ireland where the 15th Faldo Series Grand Final is being played in 2011.

It's the Five Star resort where Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke won last week's Lough Ernie Challenge against the Republic of Ireland's Padraig Harrington and Shane Lowry and which could well see a European Tour event being played there in the not too distant future

With nine holes hugging the shore and views over the water on almost every other hole. no one would disagree with Faldo who calls it; "one of Europe's - indeed the world's - most visually stunning golf courses."

It is visually strong with striking features and risk-reward holes which inspires golfers and ensures they never tire of facing the varying challenges it offers.

It is tough but fair and a golf course which forces players to think their way around and not just blast it off every tee.

The greens are impeccable, Darren Clarke describing them as; "Some the best I've ever played."

Rory McIlroy, the eighth highest ranked player in the world, is Lough Erne's Touring Professional and calls it; "a great place to stay and a great place to play.' He has a house on the Lough Erne Resort and often spends time there with his family when not on tour.

Padraig Harrington believes; 'This course is well good enough to host a tournament on the European Tour. You couldn't ask for more, of the conditioning or the style of the course. It doesn't just have a great course; it has fantastic facilities with the hotel. It's ideal.'

Indeed with a five star hotel, spa and numerous dinning opportunities it has everything that a golf resort can offer.

COURSE

Set on a 600 acre peninsula between Castle Hume Lough and Lower Lough Erne, The Faldo Course has been planned carefully to take full advantage of the natural topography. This makes for fourteen holes where the waters of the Loughs come into play, including a green surrounded on three sides by water. Superb All Year Round Playing Conditions, ensuring a spectacular, challenging and exciting golfing experience.

YARDAGE

The Faldo Championship Course - 7,167 Yards - Par 72.

The Castle Hume Championship Course - 6,200 Yards - Par 70.

FACILITIES

There are extensive practice facilities including a driving range, short game area, putting green and Mini Himalayas.

THE GOLF SHOP

The Golf Shop in The Lough side Clubhouse has a large range of both men's and ladies clothing and golf accessories, including own label Lough Erne Resort merchandise. Golf clubs, golf shoes, golf carts and pull trolleys are all available for hire. The Faldo Course at Lough Erne is fully cart pathed to enable all year-round play.

DINING

The Catalina Restaurant: For elegant dining overlooking The Lough

The Lough side Bar & Grill: For casual all day dining and prime Irish meats from the grill

The Blaney Bar: For the Grazing Menu & Exclusive Irish Whiskey Collection

The Drawing Room: Relax by the open fire with light snacks and drinks

The Garden Hall: For Traditional, Chocolate, Pink and Cygnet s Afternoon Tea

The Halfway House: Located behind the 9th Green of The Faldo Course, for Light Bites while taking a break from Play or enjoying The Collop Walk.

The Gordon Wilson Library: A quiet space - an open fire, a good book, tea and coffee

THE THAI SPA

The Thai Spa is the only spa in the UK to provide a truly authentic Thai Spa experience. All therapists originate and are trained in Thailand. Products used are Lau Erb, Thailand's leading spa brand - traditional Thai remedies created using pure natural ingredients. Eight treatment rooms including a dual treatment room, ideal for couples and a dedicated Traditional Thai massage room; a wet area with light therapy sauna, crystal aroma steam room, Mud Rasul and Exotic Rain Shower and Monea Light & Deep relaxation rooms. An indoor 14-metre Infinity Pool, The Thermal Suite (whirlpool, steam room and sauna) and fitness centre.

ACCOMMODATION

A five star Resort including 120 Luxury rooms including 53 guest rooms, two Deluxe suites, 2 Lakeview suites, 2 Courtyard suites and 25 Lough side Lodges. The lodges are arranged in The Resort's landscaped gardens with views over the golf course and the Lough. Each one has its own private entrance and is set over two floors with either two or three en-suite bedrooms, a sitting room with dining area and butler's pantry. Private dining in the Lodges is available. All rooms include 24-hour room service, Private bar, Binoculars, In room safe, Iron with ironing board, Tea and coffee making facilities.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Fly Fishing for Pike, with resident Game Angling Instructor Patrick Trotter, one of the world's 140 master casting instructors; casting tuition and game angling courses; sailing; canoeing, mountain biking; pony trekking; walking, exploring the local historic towns and sites (Belleek Pottery, Boa Island, Inish Rath Island, National Trust properties), cultural & heritage tours with local historian and genealogist John Cunningham, helicopter and seaplane tours are also available and much more.

LOCATION

Ideally located minutes from Enniskillen town and St. Angelos Airport for private jet transfers; 90 minutes from Belfast Airports, Belfast City and Ferry Terminal and 120 minutes from Dublin Airport and Ferry Terminal; The Resort also offers five helipads and landings by Seaplane on Castle Hume Lough

TO CONTACT THE CLUB

Address: Lough Erne Resort

Belleek Road, Enniskillen

Co. Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, BT93 7ED

Tel: +44 (0) 28 66323230

Website: www.lougherneresort.com

Opened: October 2007

General Manager: Jonathan R. Stapleton

Executive Chef: Noel McMeel

For more information about golfing in Ireland visit www.discoverireland.com/golf

Harry Emanuel