Barnhill Visitors Guide - By Michael Cullen  

Hole 1- Par 4

Elevated tee makes perfect high arching (flattering!) drive just right of bunker line. Mid-to-high iron should see you off with a nice par (avoid the "right wing" - OB & lake).

Hole 2 - Par 5

There could be trouble ahead - on the right!  Position-play a must for the first two shots.  3rd approach to green should allow for a deep breath of relief - but you have to putt yet!  Delightful challenge for big hitter to take on second shot to green.

Hole 3 - Par 4

Generous landing area for tee shot.  Water left for full length of 2nd shot.  Small green target with bunker right.  Cushy par.

Hole 4 - Par 4

First keep left of lake on right.  Then right of lake on left - get it?!  Are you on the green now?

Hole 5 - Par 3

Plateau green with sloping sides all-round.  Just aim for the Inishowen hills and high landing will hold on the green.  Delightful one-shotter!  OB at back and on right.

Hole 6 - Par 4

Index 1 and long.  Left of centre for drive - Challenging long iron to green.  Lake on left threatens loose shots.  Fairway narrows all the way to the green.  Small green guarded by bunker left. 
Bogey is the norm.

Hole 7 - par 5

Open the shoulders and aim for evergreens on right beyond the 3 bunkers.  Long again with fairway wood.  Deep bunker may catch loose approach play.  Then some putting on a tricky contoured green.

Hole 8 - Par 3

Simple? -  no way!  Back tee not for faint-hearted!  Middle tee - still tough.  Go right and you're a gonner to a watery grave.  Brilliant one-shotter!  Sloping green back to front and below.  You will be scrambling for par and will be back to try again. 

Hole 9 - Par 4

Long - long.  Big tree is line.  Open drain 100 yards from green. Target area is small into the bargain.  Bogey is the norm - don't despair!

Hole 10 - Par 4

Room on right for long drive.  Open drain in front of green poses problems for mid to high handicapper.  Another putting test still ahead.

Hole 11 - Par 5

Birdie time (again!) for the long-hitter.  Just right of big tree.  Guard of honour for well-drilled shot into hidden green at top of sloping entrance.  Still a good par 5 for mid-handicapper.  Subtle swings across hole to green.

Hole 12 - Par 4

Landing area is narrow for demanding tee shot - Just left of centre.  Deep slope to right will take errant drives.  2-tiered green adds to putting challenge for par.

Hole 13 - Par 3

L shaped green with well-placed bunker makes accuracy paramount.  Come in high and bring hot putter.

Hole 14 - Par 4

Split the gap - or over front tree line on right.  Warning - above the pin with 2nd shot (or any shot!) leaves slim hope for par on slick, sloping small green.

Hole 15 - Par 4

There is no right way to this green - only left!  Big hitters take their chances over water.  Approach shot to green must be high.  Deep fall-off back and right of green.  Bring another red-hot putter - you have been warned!

Hole 16 - Par 3

Parachute height required to ensure soft landing on green. The contours add to more putting nerves.

Hole 17 - Par 4

Top right of centre from tee - otherwise bunkers in play for 2nd shot.  Narrow fairway after bunkers.  Long narrow slick green falls sharply left - bye, bye birdie! be happy with a bogey.

Hole 18 - Par 5

Downhill and home - don't be fooled - narrow fairway - falls to left.  Go for flat area short of the 2 bridges for second shot.  Approach high to hold green.  Great 2nd shot challenge again for the long driver but serious trouble left of green.  Tricky putting lines again.

..........left for 19th at Barnhill Bar and Restaurant!

  Letterkenny Golf Course map