IRELAND OFFERS TRAVELERS seeking a golf getaway a number of options. Whether to golf for pleasure, on a break from business or as part of a dream golf vacation, it’s all achievable while visiting the Emerald Isle. Consider the facts: Ireland is home to 7,119 golf holes, 428 golf clubs and seven courses in the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World. Those impressive statistics are ripe for a traveling golfer’s discovery. IRELAND: HOME OF CHAMPIONS Ireland is the land where many of today’s golf legends got their start. Homegrown heroes include Rory McIlroy, who learned the game’s lessons on his home course of Holywood in Down, and Graeme McDowell.
Recent headline-making names such as Shane Lowry, 2015 WGC Bridgestone Champ, and Paul McGinley, 2014 Ryder Cup Captain, also began on the country’s courses. And the list continues, boasting the likes of Darren Clarke, Padraig Harrington and many more. Ireland is an island paradise for links golfers. With fewer than 200 links courses in the world, it’s amazing to note Ireland boasts 50 of them. During your visit, check out these stellar links courses, accessible to all. Famed course designer Greg Norman crafted the links course at Trump International in Doonbeg, County Clare, while legendary Tom Fazio is behind the links course at Waterville in County Kerry. 
At Lahinch, also in County Clare, golf either the Old Course or the Castle Course. Ballybunion in County Kerry is considered one of the world’s finest golf courses. Golf like a champion at a course that has hosted every major domestic championship, Portmarnock in County Dublin. Just outside the city, The K Club is home to two championship courses, Palmer Ryder and Palmer Smurfit. In County Cork, on Ireland’s southwest coast, Old Head Golf Links, the brainchild of John and Patrick O’Connor, is one of the world’s most sought-after experiences. In Northern Ireland, experience two links courses with worldwide reputations. Named the world’s No. 1 course by Golf Digest, Royal County Down boasts an illustrious 114-year history amid the backdrop of the Mourne Mountains. Both Old Tom Morris and Harry Colt had a hand in the course design. Scot Old Tom Morris is also the man behind County Antrim’s Royal Portrush, where his design embraced the flow of the land along Derry-Londonderry’s scenic coast. The course started as just nine holes in 1888. The course will host the Open Championship in 2019. THE 19TH HOLE Sharing a round of golf doesn’t mark the end of the day in Ireland. Carry on to the 19th hole and share your feats from the course while experiencing genuine Irish hospitality. To learn more about golf in Ireland, visit ireland.com/golfnow.
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Women in Travel
2016
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