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Ask an American golfer what course he plays in his dreams, and it's usually Augusta National, probably because it's the one club he will never be permitted to play awake.
Granted, the home of the Masters is a storied venue, but manicured grass and pruned flowers belong in my Granny's back garden. Augusta is the Oscar de la Hoya of golf courses - just too pretty to take a lump out of. In Ireland our courses are more like Mike Tyson - rough, punishing and awesome to see.
Golf may have been invented by the Scots but we gave it a home. When the blazer-and-cravat set gather to rate the great golf courses of the world, Ireland always features prominently. A recent survey of the top 150 links courses in the world saw no fewer than 39 in Ireland, an astonishing number for an island no bigger than Maine. And if numbers aren't evidence enough, many legends of the links consider Ireland a golf mecca.
Nick Faldo's three British Opens came at St. Andrews and Muirfield - the cathedrals of Scottish golf - yet he rates the virtually-unknown Ballyliffin in County Donegal as "the finest links course I have ever seen." Ray Floyd won majors at Augusta and Shinnecock Hills but Waterville in Kerry is "the most beautiful place I have ever seen." Even Tom Watson, whose five British Opens make him an authority on the links game, says of Ballybunion, also in Kerry: "It's my favourite golf course. There is a natural beauty to the place. This is the way that golf is meant to be played. It is the epitome of links golf."
Clearly, Irish golf - with the howling winds and lashing rain -beats a grubby charter to sun-drenched Myrtle Beach any day of the week. And while any attempt to manufacture a pecking order of great courses is admittedly arbitrary, it's me who's getting paid for this, not you. So here are the three high altars of Irish golf, three of which were recently ranked in the world's top 20.
• Old Head of Kinsale
• The K Club
• Royal Portrush Golf Club
Westport Golf Club is a highly recognized European Golf Club with an oustanding course and is recommend to any golf lovers to visit.
The following list indicates a range of options for those interested in golfing while in Ireland. The information here has been arranged according to the province in which these activitiestake place.
Historically, Ireland has been divided into the four provinces of Connaught - Connacht, Leinster - Laighean, Munster - Mumhan and Ulster - Uladh. Connaught is located in the west of Ireland, Leinster in the east, Munster in the south and Ulster in the north.
Justly famous for the quality of its golf courses, Ireland is most reknowned for the variety of links courses that are available. The challenge of attempting a long drive on a par 5 into a bracing Atlantic wind, with the ocean on one side and craggy rocks on the other - well, it brings out your true mettle as a golfer.
Located in the far west of Co.Mayo, Gailf Chursa an Chairn, is a full 18-hole links course, 6,119m [6,690 yards] in length with a par 72. Designed by the late Eddie Hackett this golf course represents a considerable challenge for both novice and experienced golfers.
The club also has a full bar and restaurant with the club house offering spectacular views of the ocean and coastline of Co.Mayo.
Phone + 353 [0]97 82292
Fax + 353 [0]97 81477
Email carngolf@iol.ie
Web Address none
Booking Details Contact the club for details.
> Gailf Chursa an Chairn
Visitor to this course are welcome at any time. Caddies are available upon request, as are buggies and trolleys. A practice range and a putting green are also available to visitors.
Dates: Contact the club for details of course opening times.
Price: Contact the club for details of green fees.