Irish rugby international Denis Hickie describes the beautiful setting of the14th at Blainroe Golf Club and explains why it is his favourite hole.
14th Carton House - 528 yards, par five
"It's such a beautiful setting and I have no doubt that it will became one of the best- known holes in golf over the next five years. It's a par five that carries the risk/reward incentive for the average golfer. It also depends on which tee you play from.
"The white markers are on a tee-box that demands a drive over the river that borders the hole all the way down the left. For most golfers it would be a question of hitting the driver or three-wood and then laying up short of the weir that guards the green. The third shot would then be anything from an eight-iron to a wedge to a narrow green as you cross the river for a second time.
"From the green markers, you don't have to negotiate the river initially, but it is on the left all the way down, while the right side of the fairway is guarded by trees. So there really is no room for error. If you are accurate off the tee then the green is on in two with a mid to low iron.
"It's a really picturesque, challenging hole that inspires the gambler within the golfer."
Denis Hickie plays rugby for St Mary's College, Leinster and Ireland and is one of the top wings in world rugby. He was been a member of Blainroe for the past eight years, but due to rugby commitments has only recently put in three cards and is awaiting his handicap. As he explained: "My golfing season is from April to June because of the demands imposed by rugby."
