Tralee

Its location beside the Atlantic ensures that most holes enjoy spectacular views, while all are subject to the prevailing winds. Beauty abounds with Banna Strand of Ryan's Daughter fame just an errant chip shot away. Renowned golf writer Peter Dobereiner aptly summed up the experience of playing here, commenting: "As a spectacle, Tralee is in a different class. The setting is quite the most magnificent backdrop for a golf course I have ever encountered. It thus passes with distinction my first test of a course, which is that it should be an exhilarating place to walk around regardless of how well or badly you may be playing." Feature holes on the front nine include the dogleg par five 2nd hole, which measures over 590 yards from the championship tees and plays directly along the Atlantic Ocean. To the right; is the demanding par three 3rd hole, which requires a tee shot struck almost over the beach to a green guarded left and right by bunkers. The relatively short par four 8th hole, again requires a brave tee shot skirting with a watery grave on the left and requiring a pinpoint approach to a target sloping wickedly from right to left. When playing your second shot to the 12th green, you will quickly realize why it's rated the most difficult on the course. Assuming you have hit a good drive, a huge depression from which there is no escape lurks to the left, while there is literally nowhere to land your ball other than on the green.