Castlecomer Golf Club, which is located 12 miles north of Kilkenny on the N78, is a new 18-hole course, having only opened in August 2003. It was originally a nine-holer but only five of those were retained in the new layout, which certainly provides a fine test of golf and a challenge to the hearts and minds of all golfers. Prolific course designer Pat Ruddy was responsible for the new course, which has been built on the old lawns of the Wandesfore Estate, and he said: "Seldom does one come across a site so admirably positioned and suited for golf." The tees and greens have been built to USGA standards while the fairways are sand-based.