One of southwest Ireland's hidden-gem links near Killarney is Dooks Golf Club in County Kerry, founded in 1889. It's most famous for its club logo, a smiling frog, and perhaps sets the tone for what is considered to be one of the more player-friendly links golf courses in Ireland.
Originally a nine-hole links, nine new holes were added in 1970, and architect Martin Hawtree was asked to redesign 16 holes in 2002. Today, it's infinitely easier compared to nearby Tralee Golf Club and Ballybunion, but is still a complete test of golf with three par 5s and a championship length stretching to a par-71, 6,586 yards. While Dooks Golf Club's front nine is set on spectacular links land with high dunes, the back nine turns into a little more parkland terrain, though Dingle Bay is in view from practically every point on the golf course.
Dooks Golf Club has full, recently renovated locker room facilities open to visitors, plus a full bar and pro shop with apparel featuring their famous frog.
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The par-4 first hole at Dooks Golf Club plays 391 yards out towards Dingle Bay. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor
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Considered a player-friendly links, architect Martin Hawtree was asked to redesign 16 of Dooks Golf Club's holes in 2002. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor
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The par-3 fourth hole's tee box plays along Dingle Bay at Dooks Golf Club. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor
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Dooks Golf Club is a player-friendly, affordable alternative to nearby Ballybunion in County Kerry. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor
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Dooks Golf Club plays along Dingle Bay, which is in view from many parts of the course. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor
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No. 7 is a long, 469-yard par 4 at Dooks Golf Club. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor
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The par-3 eighth hole plays 183 yards from the championship tees at Dooks Golf Club. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor
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No. 10 at Dooks Golf Club is a long par 5 that plays along the bay most of the way. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor
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Dooks Golf Club's par-3 11th hole plays over a fence and out-of-bounds to an elevated green. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor
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No. 14 at Dooks Golf Club is a par 4 that plays gently downhill the entire way. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor
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Dooks Golf Club was just nine holes until 1970, when the back nine was added. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor
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The final holes of Dooks Golf Club play more off the bay and are not on as strong links terrain as the start of the course. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor
