Finish putts in one motion, for a 2-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Putting15-24 min1 HCP4 drills
Precision34%
Scoring33%
Aim20%
Practice Programs
Complete Golf Practice Blueprint for Old Head Golf Links
Discover tailored practice programs for this course.
Total Programs
14
14 complete programs built for this course
Unique Drills
58
Total unique drills across all programs
Skill Pillars
11
Accuracy · Aim · Alignment · Dispersion · Distance Control · Green Reading
Session Durations
5
3 days , 4 days , 5 days , 6 days , 9 days
AccuracyAimAlignmentDispersionDistance ControlGreen Reading+5 more
Old Head Practice Profile
We've mapped a comprehensive practice profile for Old Head, identifying the specific skills this course demands most. The skill distribution below shows which areas of your game will be tested most frequently based on the hole-by-hole analysis (hole handicaps, stroke index, yardage, etc.), while the handicap ranges indicate the typical player profiles who perform well here.
Focus your practice on these key skills to maximize improvement and lower your scores. Check the practice programs below for targeted drills that address these specific skills.
Skill Distribution
Scoring 33%Precision 22%Distance Control 19%Aim 12%Visualization 12%
Handicap Performance Insights
The handicap ranges shown represent the typical performance levels for this course. Players within these ranges can expect competitive scores, while those outside may yield benefits or may need additional practice in the highlighted skill areas to perform at their best.
26.2
Average HCP
17.6
Minimum HCP
38.3
Maximum HCP
Top Drills
Featured Drills for Old Head
Most-used drills from for this course. Practice as standalone drills or scroll down for full programs.
Putting24 min
Around the Hole: 8 Ball Circle, 4/8
Make 4 out of 8 putts from [6 ft | 2 m], 5 times in total.
Short Game26 min
DIY Course Easy
Up to 5 players play easy-difficulty 9 hole ‘PAR 2’ DIY course. Best final score wins.
Driving Range31 min
Mid irons (7,6,5) | GIRs Simulation
Simulate X number of GIR (Green in Regulations) using mid irons only. Hit one bucket of ~50 balls. Count total number of greens hit.
Short Game26 min
DIY Course Easy
Up to 5 players play easy-difficulty 9 hole ‘PAR 2’ DIY course. Best final score wins.
Short Game26 min
DIY Course Easy
Up to 5 players play easy-difficulty 9 hole ‘PAR 2’ DIY course. Best final score wins.
Short Game26 min
DIY Course Easy
Make a DIY 9 hole easy-difficulty course. Every hole is PAR 2. Count the score.
Course Details
Everything you need to know about Old Head.
Contact Information
📞
Phone
+44 (0)1250 872622
📠
Fax
+44 (0) 1250 872622
✉️Email
info@oldhead.com
Giving lessons at Old Head Golf Links? Get featured here.
Facilities
✓Driving Range
✓Putting Green
✓Chipping Green
✓Practice Bunker
✓Motor Cart
✓Pull Cart
✓Golf Clubs Rental
✗Club Fitting
✓Pro Shop
✓Golf Lessons
✗Caddie Hire
✓Restaurant
✓Reception Hall
✓Changing Room
✓Lockers
✗Lodging on Site
Location
Downmacpatrick
Course Description
Occupying a stunning and unique headland reaching out over two miles into the Atlantic Ocean, the Old Head of Kinsale is home to the most spectacular world-class golf course and luxury members' accommodation. Located in County Cork on the South West Coast of Ireland, as the incredible brainchild of the late John O'Connor together with his brother Patrick, the Club has developed into one of the most recognised and sought after golf experiences anywhere on earth. It is a sanctuary for those seeking the finest in personalized service. We look forward to welcoming you to the 'Old Head Experience' in the very near future
golf course • luxury golf resort • kinsale golf • ireland golf • atlantic coast golf • luxury accommodation • suites and wellness • dining experiences • golf and accommodation ireland • world-class golf • golf shop • golf reservations • ireland tourism • golf holidays cork • spectacular golf views • headland golf • golf destination • premium golf experience • media production • content creation • golf industry • audiovisual • digital media
Course Information
Holes
18
Par
72
Type
Links
Architect
Ron Kirby, Paddy Merrigan, Eddie Hackett, Dr. Joe Carr and Haulie O'Shea
Opened
1997
Google Reviews
Business Not Claimed
⭐N/A(0 reviews)
View on Google MapsOld Head Golf Links Social Media Presence
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Programs
Skill-Based Practice Programs for Old Head
We studied the course layout and prepared practice programs to lower your scores. The programs are purpose-built for each tee to align with the course strategy. Each program consists of curated drills, with pre-defined modules designed to deliver results.
Filter programs by category (select one)
Showing 14 Programs
% match to course practice profileKeep near hole, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Short Game~26 min35 HCP9 drills
Scoring44%
Distance Control34%
Visualization22%
Land 3-4 feet away, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Short Game~26 min17 HCP3 drills
Distance Control33%
Accuracy23%
Scoring13%
Unlock Your Golf Potential
Get personalized coaching and custom training programs tailored to your game.
Get StartedImprove accuracy, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Driving Range~31 min35 HCP6 drills
Precision30%
Mechanics23%
Aim15%
15 Week Flagship Program for Old Head
A complete and progressive long-term development curriculum mapped from easier to harder drills, specifically for Old Head. Start with the basics and work your way towards more challenging drills. Commit to 15 weeks of training and get in proper shape. Four days counts as a week.
Week 1≤ 4 days
Putting · 6 ft (2m) only
Sink Every Mid Putt
Difficulty: Expert · Program HCP 1.0
Weeks 2–4≤ 7 days
Short Game · Mixed
Keep Ball Near Hole
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Weeks 4–5≤ 6 days
Short Game · Mixed
Short Game 5–20 Yds From Fringe Or Rough
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Weeks 5–7≤ 7 days
Short Game · Mixed
Short Game 5–20 Yds From Fringe Or Rough
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Weeks 8–9≤ 5 days
Short Game · Pitch
Keep Par Safe
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 34.0
Weeks 9–10≤ 6 days
Driving Range · Driver
Driver Fairway Accuracy For Beginners
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Weeks 10–12≤ 6 days
Driving Range · Mid irons (7,6,5)
Mid-Iron Distance Control 150–180 Yards
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Weeks 12–14≤ 7 days
Driving Range · Mid irons (7,6,5)
Mid-Iron Distance Control 150–180 Yards
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Weeks 14–15≤ 6 days
Driving Range · Wedges (LW,SW,GW,PW)
Wedge Distance Control Inside 100 Yards
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
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Keep within 8 yards, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Driving Range~31 min17 HCP5 drills
Dispersion33%
Precision17%
Scoring16%
Make par, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Short Game~26 min35 HCP6 drills
Scoring43%
Distance Control34%
Visualization23%
Make par, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Short Game~26 min35 HCP9 drills
Scoring44%
Distance Control34%
Visualization22%
Pitch to the green, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Short Game~26 min34 HCP5 drills
Scoring26%
Aim26%
Alignment16%
See landing and roll, for a 14-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Short Game~26 min14 HCP5 drills
Scoring45%
Accuracy31%
Visualization24%
Eliminate wild misses, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Driving Range~31 min17 HCP5 drills
Dispersion31%
Precision20%
Scoring16%
Control distance inside 100, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Driving Range~31 min35 HCP6 drills
Precision26%
Mechanics23%
Trajectory18%
Reduce misses, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Driving Range~31 min17 HCP3 drills
Distance Control25%
Trajectory22%
Scoring20%
Control ball flight basics, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Driving Range~31 min35 HCP6 drills
Precision29%
Mechanics23%
Trajectory19%
Improve accuracy, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Driving Range~31 min35 HCP9 drills
Precision28%
Mechanics20%
Trajectory16%
2026
Prepare for Tournaments at Old Head
Follow a complete multi-week structured practice program ahead of the upcoming events and arrive prepared.
No upcoming tournaments at this time.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Old Head
Get answers to common questions about playing Old Head and what to expect.
How difficult is Old Head for mid-handicap golfers?
Old Head presents a demanding test. With a slope of 120, it remains playable for a wide handicap range. The course rating of 70 reflects on scoring relative to par 72.
What tees should a 15 handicap play at Old Head?
A 15 handicap golfer should consider tees closer to 6000 yards. The back tees extend to 6500 yards, which makes approach shots longer and scoring more challenging.
What is considered a good score at Old Head?
With a course rating of 70 and par 72, a mid-handicap golfer would typically score in the mid to high 80s. Stronger players aiming to break 72 must manage approach shots and avoid penalty strokes.
How long is Old Head and how does yardage affect play?
Measuring 6500 yards at maximum length, scoring depends more on placement than raw power.
What type of course is Old Head and how should I play it?
Old Head is designed as a Links layout. Overall, the setup will reward players who place the ball in safe positions far from hazards. Also, type of shot is more crucial rather than just trying to gain distance.
What features make Old Head strategically challenging?
The combination of a slope rating of 120 and yardage reaching 6500 yards creates consistent pressure on approach shots. You will need to balance risk and reward, especially on longer par 4s and protected greens.
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Same Architect
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Old Head
Old Head Golf Links
Old Head, Cork