I stood on the edge of the lake and pondered my options. I had to cross but the wrong choice would lead to a guaranteed dunking. The wind was whistling in from the west and the choppy water was lapping onto the grassy bank beneath my feet. I walked back 60 yards and tried to focus.
Welcome to Watergate, the signature 13th hole of Cavan's Slieve Russell Golf Club, and the lake, one of the Breffni County's 365, was between the tee box and the fairway of this magnificent, yet daunting, par five.
The driver was summoned and the ball placed. A giant 'SR' floral design beyond looked within my range, so without thinking too much, I let loose and a few seconds later I marvelled as my ball easily cleared the far bank with the wind pushing the landing to the far side of the fairway.
As it happened, I could have aimed another 40 or 50 yards further up the lakeside, but after hitting a shot like that you cannot complain; it's what makes you keep coming back for more.
The leisurely perimeter walk around Lough Rud for my second shot allowed me to marvel some more at the views. From the first tee box, the scenery was spectacular - drumlins, lakes, flowers, far off hills, all combining to craft an absolute gem of a golf course.
The journey so far was a leisurely ramble through the 300-odd acres of the extremely aesthetic Slieve Russell estate - none of that up and down golf; the layout of this course sets you off on an adventure with rewards around every corner.
Considering it was mid-March, the course was still playing close to perfect, apart from some heavily sanded fairways. But another few weeks of grass growth and the course will be back to its best.
It was only the first day of my mini-midweek golf break but it already felt like an eternity since leaving Dublin city in the early hours.
Back on the 13th fairway and I looked up and around to where the green was awaiting. So here I was, having just hit one of the best drives of my not-so-decorated career, with another 200 or so yards to travel to the flag. Convinced I could now make the green of this daunting par five in two, I snubbed the obvious lay-up option and confidently called for my five wood.
The confidence soon evaporated as I watched my horrible hook shot send the Srixon sphere straight into the middle of the Lough that I had just crossed.
Ah, the trials and tribulations of the amateur golfer. When you're good, you're very good. And when you're down, you're down - usually down at the bottom of some lake.
Thankfully the remaining holes veered clear of the water and headed for home - home being the warm and very welcoming Slieve Russell hotel.
And still with plenty of time before dinner, a late lunch was ordered as I recovered in my room with that second shot on the 13th still haunting me.
My room was actually a very spacious suite with a huge bathroom, complete with Jacuzzi and walk-in shower. And the separate living area was complemented by a balcony boasting spectacular views of the golf course.
A very tasty BLT arrived and was devoured in record time as the putting green below was beckoning for a bit of much-needed practice.
Now I could say that the aforementioned practice area was just as impressive as the immaculately manicured greens out on the course, but I'd be lying. I never made it past the bed as a pre-dinner snooze proved way too alluring.
Après Golf
Food & Drink
You won't be stuck for choice when it comes to eating and drinking at the Slieve Russell. There are three quality restaurants to choose from and it's always a good sign when the locals are coming in for dinner.
I dined at the Setanta Restaurant, which was thankfully not your typical traditional hotel restaurant and had a very modern feel and creative menu to match. The pork and chicken wantons in chilli sauce were particularly tasty, followed by a flawless sirloin steak with pepper sauce and onion rings. The South African red wine was also well received.
The other main restaurant, the award-winning Conall Cearnach Restaurant, is renowned to be one of the finest restaurants in Cavan, run by well-known chef Peter Denny. The restaurant offers a menu inspired by modern Irish cuisine.
And for a lighter alternative, the Summit Restaurant offers magnificent panoramic views overlooking the golf course.
The Slieve Russell also boasts a large, comfortable bar with a tasty food menu, the perfect place to reflect on your day on the course or to enjoy a few pints after dinner.
Ciúin Spa & Wellness Centre
For those who want an alternative to four hours activity on the golf course, the Ciúin Spa & Wellness Centre offers a wide range of therapies and treatments. A post-golf massage is always an option and the top of the range Hydrotherapy Suite is guaranteed to revitalise the aching body if things don't go too well for you out on the course.
Leisure
There is a wide range of leisure and sporting facilities available at the Slieve Russell including a 20-metre swimming pool complete with therapeutic whirlpool and massage seats. A relaxing Jacuzzi, steam room and a sauna are also available.
There is a well-equipped indoor fitness suite and you can enjoy a relaxing stroll or run around the magnificent Cranaghan Walkway, a stunning two-mile walk demonstrating the natural drumlin and valley landscape, providing some excellent vantage points across the spectacular surrounding countryside.
Golfing Nearby
There are several quality golf courses within a short distance of the Slieve Russell. County Cavan Golf Course is in Cavan Town and the Cavan Radisson boasts a brand new course spread over 500 acres of rolling countryside and dense woodland of the Farnham Estate. There are also many fine courses just over the border in Fermanagh, none better than the majestic Lough Erne Golf Resort.
Getting There
The Slieve Russell is located less than a two-hour drive from Dublin, 20 minutes north of Cavan Town near Ballyconnell. For more information, visit: www.slieverussell.ie or call +353 (0)49 9525090.
For more information on golfing trips in Ireland, or to check out some great value accommodation, visit: www.discoverireland.ie.
Ed Leahy
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