Mr. Buzzy on Tour - Farnham Estate Spa & Golf, Cavan, Ireland

Farnham Estate Spa & Golf W A N N A P L AY ? M R . B U Z Z Y O N T O U R .

Words: Jo Maes - Images: Farnham Estate & Jo Maes

Jeff Howes designed parkland 18 QUALITY HOLES IN THE HEART OF CAVAN

An estate going back to the 17th century …

The Waldrons of Dromellan Castle (early name of Farnham House) were forced to sell the estate to settle gambling debts back in 1664. Bought by Bishop Robert Maxwell of Scottish descend, thus beginning the Maxwell family connection that was to continue for more than 330 years (family motto is Je suis prêt - I am ready’).

As with all grand houses, rising costs, a steady economic decline and the 1923 Land Act would ultimately end landlordism in Ireland. A Cavan based entrepreneur bought the estate and developed the golf resort but after the global financial crisis was forced to sell it to Austrian hotel entrepreneur Thomas Roegle. The drive into the estate immediately offers you a sense of calmness that is omnipresent.

The course itself was designed by Jeff Howes, one of Europe’s leading golf architects who worked with Nicklaus, Ballesteros, Trent Jones Sr and Goosen.

The parkland course is laid out within a 500 acre area with two contrasting nines where the front nine ventures into the meadows while the back nine is more tree lined and meanders through dense woodland. A modern course with lakes, streams and large gently undulating greens. Bunkers aren’t as plentiful as on other modern 18 varied holes designed by Jeff Howes covering 500 acres of fertile meadowland and dense forest.

layouts. Flattish and with a more rugged look, they blend in well with the nature surrounding them.

GOLF Farnham Estate Golf Course We went out on a glorious July day recently and with the course carefully mowed, it was a treat to play. This is not a perfect course but it has some fantastic holes while some could get to that level with some minor tweaks.

The first, a short par 4 up the hill is somewhat bland but it’s there to get you going and prepare you for the next couple of holes (2 to 5) which are very good indeed. Not overly long but beautifully framed holes with century old trees encapsulating the large sloped greens. The front 9 is split in two and undulates through two small valleys. Going over the brow of the hill from 5 to 6 and the next valley unfolds with a long downhill and reachable par 5 followed by a short but well protected Par 4. The Par 3 8th is fronted by the meandering stream that also follows and protects the Par 5 9th.

The Par 4 green is one of the most intimidating holes on the course.

A choice of the tee whether to stay right resulting in a long approach shot or take on the gap left through the trees to leave a shorter iron into a water guarded green.

The back 9 seems a different course. I am not

much to make it on a par with the rest. Par 5

a fan of blind tee shots, especially if you don’t

18th is a great finishing hole from where you

play a course often and the 10th is that sort of

can walk straight into the new club house. The

hole but at the end of it is a beautiful narrow

plans are there for an academy with all the

entranced green. I really loved the last 8 holes, all tree lined which gives great

practice facilities modern golf resorts need. It is a fair walk so a buggy makes it that little bit

definition. Every course should have a

more pleasant. With reasonably priced green

drivable Par 4 and the 14th at 300 yards off

fee rates, it is definitely value for money.

the back tee is a beauty. 17th is visually the weakest in that final stretch but doesn’t need

Par 72 - Blue 7,065 yards - White 6,669 yards.

Farnham Estate Spa & Golf HOTEL | GOLF | LEISURE

A seamless blend of classic and modern.

The hotel has 146 modern rooms and 12 suites, 8 of which are situated in the 400 year old Farnham House and all looking out over the rolling Cavan countryside.

The 44.000 sq ft Health Spa is renowned all over the country. Designed by Heinz Schletterer whose previous projects include spas at the Waldorf Astoria in New York, the Sandy Lane in Barbados, the Queen Mary cruise liner, it features an indoor and outdoor pool and several treatment rooms making that week-end away that extra bit special.

The Old Manor House incorporated in the modern hotel reception.

Farnham Estate Spa & Golf DINING A choice of dining and drinking options.

We were fortunate enough to be able to sample a 5 course meal in the Cedar Rooms Restaurant. Located in the original Estate Manager’s house surrounding the estate, the food is exquisite featuring locally grown and sourced products. The quality of the food and level of service was exquisite and made for an enjoyable evening.The Maxwell’s Grill Room is a more informal dining option. Both feature an extensive wine list. The Cellar Bar stands out from other hotel bars as it’s situated in the old underground servant’s quarters and tunnels which provided access the house without being seen by the baron and baroness and their guests.

Farnham Estate Spa & Golf | Hotel - Golf - Leisure Cavan, Co Cavan - Tel: +353 49 4377700 - www.farnhamestate.ie 18 Holes - 158 bedrooms & suites - 44.000 sq ft Leisure Centre

The Chateaubriand of Hereford beef was particularly tasty.