Portmarnock

A small peninsula jutting out into the Irish Sea provides the ideal terrain for links golf: low sand dunes, small green hollows, long valleys and surrounded by sea on three sides. A feature of the course is that no two successive holes play in the same direction thereby making the ever-present wind a significant factor for every hole. The 15th hole is regarded by Arnold Palmer as the best par-3 in the world. The course is steeped in history, the first nine holes being formally opened on Stephen's Day 1894. When this became eighteen holes two years later, its rapid rise in prestige and reputation began. It has hosted events such as the Canada Cup, the Walker Cup and twelve Irish Opens.