Course Overview
A Masterpiece in the Valley
Designed by Ryder Cup legend Paul McGinley, this par-72 parkland course spans 160 acres of breathtaking Wicklow scenery. Its uniqueness lies in the dramatic elevation changes and a meandering brook that guards the back nine, demanding strategic play amidst statuesque pines.
THE COURSE
Hole by Hole
Hole 1
CRONAWINNA | PAR 4 | 372 YARDS
A generous fairway for the opening drive. The whole then turns left towards a green set into its own vale with a backdrop of the rural Wicklow countryside.
Hole 2
DEER RUN | PAR 5 | 508 YARDS
This par 5 is the first of the 3-lined fairways, a feature synonymous with Macreden Golf Club. Following a well-hit drive, the hole turns right as you play to a scenically framed green nestled among the stately pines and spruce.
Hole 3
BALLCOOG | PAR 4 | 397 YARDS
A generous fairway for the opening drive. The whole then turns left towards a green set into its own vale with a backdrop of the rural Wicklow countryside.
Hole 4
KITE’S NEST | PAR 3 | 193 YARDS
This long par 3 plays to a green situated 40 metres below. The visual impact of watching a tee shot hang in the air will make this one of the most talked about holes on the entire course.
Hole 5
FURZE & PHEASANTS | PAR 4 | 396 YARDS
This hole will play slightly longer than its distance suggests as it’s generally played into the prevailing wind. Correct positioning of the drive will be all important if you are to have a straightforward second shot.
Hole 6
DRUID’S DELL | PAR 4 | 290 YARDS
I believe all great golf courses should have a short par four. A long accurate drive will set up a birdie opportunity.
Hole 7
FORAGER’S WAY | PAR 3 | 191 YARDS
I have nestled the tee boxes in the pines and spruce demanding a medium iron shot to a well guarded green.
Hole 8
CROGHAN | PAR 5 | 562 YARDS
This is a hole that will offer some respite from the accurate play demanded by the woodlands. The first half of the hole is generally level, but from there the hole turns right, downhill to a green situated in the valley.
Hole 9
THE BRIDLE PATH | PAR 4 | 411 YARDS
One of the course’s most memorable holes completes the front nine. Flanked by woodland along the left-hand side, this hole presents a tricky second shot to a green with the beautiful MacCredden stone bridge in the background.
Hole 10
ABOVE GROUND | PAR 4 | 289 YARDS
The back nine begins with a short par four. A narrow fairway calls for a precise tee shot, leaving a short iron shot to a small, well-guarded green.
Hole 11
THE BLUE SCHOOL | PAR 4 | 310 YARDS
Accuracy off the tee to a fairway framed with natural free-flowing stream on the left-hand side and woodland on the right leaves a straightforward shot into the green.
Hole 12
MCGINLEY’S | PAR 4 | 404 YARDS
My favourite hole, number 12, epitomises the style and splendour of MacCredden Golf Club. From an elevated teeing position, the drive has to be played over Ballycrean Brook, leaving a long iron shot between the elegant pines to the green.
Hole 13
HIDDEN VALLEY | PAR 5 | 489 YARDS
A classical and scenic tree-line par 5 playing downhill with the prevailing wind. Play safely or take the risk and see the reward for a brave shot to a well bunkered green.
Hole 14
THE CROOKED BIRCH | PAR 3 | 170 YARDS
A gentle stream guarding the approach to the long green will provide numerous alternating flag positions and an ever-changing challenge on this par 3.
Hole 15
COILLTE | PAR 5 | 505 YARDS
This last par 5 on the golf course is strategically and aesthetically beautiful. A densely tree-lined fairway curves right with a meandering stream grabbing your attention for the second shot.
Hole 16
PINE VALLEY | PAR 4 | 440 YARDS
Carved through the spectacular woodland, this is the longest par 4 on the golf course, demanding both accuracy and length.
Hole 17
KINGFISHER | PAR 3 | 174 YARDS
The last, and my favourite par 3, plays downhill to the green, guarded by the brook running across the front and only a well-judged shot will find the wide but shallow green.
Hole 18
BALLYCREAN | PAR 4 | 402 YARDS
A superb finishing hole that combines all the features that the MacCredden landscape has to offer. An island landing area with the meandering brook criss-crossing the fairway brings a memorable conclusion to your 18 holes at MacCredden Golf Club.
Course Design
Paul McGinley’s design philosophy at Macreddin emphasizes strategic decision-making over brute force. Spanning two distinct valleys, the layout contrasts a demanding, tree-lined front nine with a back nine defined by the constant threat of the Macreddin Brook. With six different tee positions per hole, the course offers a fair yet formidable test, blending seamlessly into its rugged, natural surroundings.
Escape to Macreddin
Golf by McGinley
Experience Paul McGinley’s championship design. Secure your tee time online today or gift a premier golfing adventure to someone special
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