Carton House (O'Meara)

Ireland

The O'Meara course, which opened in may 2002, is the older of the two 18-hole layouts at Carton House.

Carton estate has been the Leinster family seat since 1176, and lady Emily Leinster is credited with introducing a large range of non-native trees to the property in the mid-eighteenth century.

As a result, blue cedars can be found on the 7th tee, Lebanese cedars behind the 15th green, and copper beeches on the 16th corner. When you add this variety of trees to the estate's multiple sycamores, firs, and pines, it's no surprise that the O'Meara course is classified as a parkland course.

The course is overlooked by Tyrconnel Tower, which can be seen from eleven holes. Interestingly, the same number of holes was built to reward players who can move the ball from right to left, much like the architect's signature drive.