Hole 1: Distance 51m, Index 7

In simple terms, the first will make or break you, 51 metres to an elevated target and a sneakily sloped green. The secret is to be straight, anything wayward leaves an awkward chip, and most often leads to a dropped shot. Most locals will take a 3 here, and it is worthwhile to think about putting if you miss your target.

Hole 2: Distance 52m, Index 9

The second is a hole that has remained mostly the same since the clubs foundation. It is an uphill shot to a blind target. The green takes two forms, flat on the left with a slope on the right. The secret is not to be short; most times you will spin or kick to the left, so there is room for error. It is a relatively easy hole contrary to first impressions.

Hole 3: Distance 50m, Index 13

One of the more straight forward holes on the course and a definite birdie hole. The green is protected by a large bank, but there is plenty space between it and the green. The green itself has recently undergone a transformation and has been raised slightly, with subtle slopes off of each side. It is a relatively flat putting surface at first glance, but members would tell you that there are very few straight putts on this course.

Hole 4: Distance 45m, Index 17

This is a very simple looking pitch, the trademark tree to the right of the tee box has been trimmed away leaving a clear view to the green. The green slopes from back to front and often takes unusual bounces. There is a small bank at the front of the green, which is easily negotiated, and a well struck pitch is usually rewarded. The members tip would be pitch the front, as it rarely stops on the first bounce and anything too deep will leave you chipping.

Hole 5: Distance 45m, Index 16

This a very simple pitch over a large bank, in truth the bank should not come into play. The green has a signature dip in the back portion, which results in tricky putting. It is a green where a well struck putt holds its line, but when tentative it will break. It is quick green in places, and tough to judge when chipping on to it. If you can remember to be aggressive with the tee shot and putt, you will be rewarded.

Hole 6: Distance 35m, Index 18

This is classed as the easiest hole on the course, and when the pin is in the middle it resembles more of a par 2 than 3. However if the pin is tucked away it is very hard to get close to, and is not so simple. The green is well sized and protected by banks at front and back, there are two bunkers at the back, but rarely come into play. The pitch itself usually releases, so it is important not to attack the hole, always take a bit off. The green has some sneaky breaks, but we will let you find that out for yourself.

Hole 7: Distance 70m, Index 2

For those who don’t know, this is as long as it gets on a pitch and putt course. Don’t be fooled by it’s index, outside of it’s distance it isn’t too much of a challenge. There is a bank at the front, which replaces the old bunker, the hole plays a little longer due to the angle of the shot, so be sure and give it a little more than the 70. The green is relatively flat, and generous in size. If you get the distance right, you will have quite a simple enough second, if you don’t, well it is index 2.

Hole 8: Distance 48m, Index 11

A famous member once said that this game was great for practicing the language, well this hole is prime suspect for allowing that. It is a 48 metre monster, you have little room for error, bunker short, small target with severe slopes from back to front. The front bunker has caught out many a good player, it is safer to air on the cautious side and give it a little more form the tee, but be sure to be a silky chipper. There is room to the left, which takes the trap out of play, but leaves a tricky putt. One more thing, watch out for the over hanging branches, cause whatever else do not be short of the bunker.

Hole 9: Distance 49m, Index 12

On paper, and at first glance it is a very similar shot to the eight, minus the bunker of course. The green has a more severe back to front slope, that has three putt written all over it. There is a bank short of the green, which shouldn’t really affect your shot, but needs to be negotiated all the same. Leave yourself an uphill putt and you should be ok, but don’t be big.

Members Advice:

The front 9 in Deerpark is the scoring 9, and has a lot of genuine birdie chances. It is important to use your head while playing it, as many of the greens are sloped and could lead to unnecessary 4’s. Somewhere in the region of 25 blows would be a good 9 holes, this is of course for someone who plays regularly.

Hole 10: Distance 58m, Index 4

Take a three and run!!! This is a monster, it is the start of our very own ‘amen’ corner. It is fairly simple, be straight, the right distance, hope you don’t three putt and your laughing. Right lets get serious, the green is elevated, and the general slopes severely from right to left as you face it. Even a good pitch isn’t guaranteed to hold the green, as any kick often rolls off left. Landing on the right will leave a very difficult chip on the down slope, and if your on the left, well I give up as I have yet to par from there. The hole is easiest when the pin is up the back, as your can be more aggressive. If you don’t trust that you can pitch the green, my advice would be play for the front portion, as I find this the easiest chip. If you are on the green, just be cute, as this green is simply ‘dangerous’.

Hole 11: Distance 57m, Index 6

Another thinking hole, my advice is don’t be short. The green slopes from front to back, and there are two bunkers short waiting to gobble any wayward pitches. There is a lovely flowerbed along the right of the fairway, if you land there, well rather you than me. The green can be difficult to read, and is again sloped. As I say, be deep enough and you will be fine, if you land short just play for a three.

Hole 12: Distance 63m, Index 3

63 metres straight uphill. There is no right or wrong way to play this hole, you have to get the distance right. If your long you are in trouble, if your short your in trouble. The green lies on top of a steep bank, it has become flatter over the years, but still slopes from back to front. I am not exaggerating when I say, you will have at least a 30yard chip if you are short here, so probably are best being big. The green is in a bit of a hollow, so you have room for error when going big, but will be left with a slick downhiller for your second. As with most long holes, you will get more spin, so again pitch big and 8 times out of 10 you will come back, of course you could come too far (just a thought). I personally always hit a punch shot into this green, so might be an option. In summary, take a three.

Hole 13: Distance 42m, Index 14

The thirteenth in Deerpark is a very good birdie opportunity, but like most courses it requires a good pitch. It is a downhill shot, to a small sized target, it is like the green was cut of the bank, and therefore anything short or big will leave you a difficult chip shot. Most locals tend to air on the side of caution here, as you often get a hop forward off the down slope. Landing big is really no mans land, and will more often than not lead to a drop shot. When the ground is hard this hole is probable up there with one of the most difficult around, but due to our inconsistent weather, this rarely happens, in summary a chance missed if not got, and one that should not be damaging your scorecard.

Hole 14: Distance 54m, Index 15

This is a rather simple hole, the green is generous in size and flat so it rarely cause one much difficulty, there is a large bank short of the green, but it is at least 10 metres short, so not much of an issue. I wouldn’t say it is a certain birdie, as pitching the green often leaves a long putt. The main tip for this hole, is that there are no major breaks, so be aggressive, and try not to give the hole away and you will be smiling.

Hole 15: Distance 49m, Index 10

The first of a difficult finishing stretch of holes. It is similar in appearance to number 12, except for distance, thus it is classed as significantly easier. First rule of number 15 is, you have no future big, it is virtually impossible to stop a chip shot from out the back on the green, so the best place to miss is short. Of course we a have a steep slope short so never going to be an easy up and down, but not impossible. The green is sloped from back to front, so putting will pose some problems, but be cautious when out of place and you should be ok. The best shot to this hole, is a little left, and towards the back of the green, you will most likely come back to the middle of the green with the help of the back bank. Remember it is uphill so it does play a little longer, and the breeze is usually ineffective due to the shelter of the trees.

Hole 16: Distance 63m, Index 1

This is without doubt the most famous hole on the course and over the years it has caused havoc to some of the games best players. It is hard to describe the hole, but here goes. It is a long pitch to a slightly elevated green, there is out of bounds on the right covering the length of the hole, and there is a STEEP hill to the left. There is a large tree half way up the bank on the left, and it’s overhanging branches mean that left hand pin positions are sometimes impossible to get at. The green is a bit deceiving, it is quick and had some sneaky slopes and breaks, anything lacking pace will always die away, and three putts are very easily come by. There is no right or wrong way to play the hole, but always commit to the shot you decide upon. The wind is always a huge factor, as you are teeing off from the highest point of the course. The wind is often stronger at the green than the tee-box, so no ball is safe. Front right or a little big are the safe options, but the inconsistency of bounce means that you can never predict if it is safe until it stops. The hole suits a low right to left pitch, but not everyone has this shot in their artillery. Due to safety reasons fencing has been erected to the right of the hole, so some wayward pitches may get lucky. All I can say is, it is 63 metres and if you ignore your surroundings and commit to the distance you will be rewarded, but remember this ‘respect the hole’ cause otherwise it will cause some heartache. I remain anonymous but in competition I have got everything from a 1 to a 9.

Hole 17: Distance 59m, Index 5

The seventh is a difficult hole, which suits the good pitcher. The shot is played from an elevated tee box within the shade of overhanging branches. It is quite a beautiful shot to a low level green. The green has a fall off to the left and a large bank to the right which often kicks the ball back onto the green. The front of the green has a large embankment that has caught many an errant pitch shot. There is large tree on the front right of the green, which protects it while also hammering wayward shots in god knows what directions. The green is difficult to read, but is nice to putt on. Chipping from the left is extremely difficult but the dangers right, tend to push one to that side, leaving awkward second shots. There is out of bounds to the right of the hole, but really only in play when one hits a shank. The secret to the hole is use the bank on the right, and be up, so head down forget the dangers right and commit to the shot.

Hole 18: Distance 40m, Index 8

The finishing hole is one to treasure, not only due to its difficulty but also its rarity. The green sits on top of a 10 foot (approx.) bank which is the whole way around the green. The green slopes from back to front and right to left, so putting is slick, and plenty have putted off the green here. Plain and simple, be on the green but at worst be straight, anything right or left is dead from the word go. Missing short or big is not ideal, but does leave the easiest chip. The secret to the hole is to aim for the middle right portion of the green, and be brave as the green is deepest on that line. When putting, use your ‘ceann’ and you should be ok. It can cause chaos at times so on occasion a 4 is not to be frowned upon.

Conclusion:

Deerpark is undoubtedly a course that rewards good pitching. In relative terms the greens are generous in size, so it is not unheard of to be putting a lot. With the putting, be cautious when out of position, and you should be rewarded. It is definitely worth, using your head around here, as it has many card wreckers, so concentration is key. If you shoot a 54 be happy and be confident in knowing that you have played well. Above else enjoy the Kerry ‘craic’ and hospitality, respect the course and have FUN!!!!