Ballybunion, Ireland
Set on the east coast of Ireland at the Shannon estuary, Ballybunion boasts its Old and new courses, consistently rated in the top courses in the world. Tom Watson called the Old course “One of the best and most beautiful tests of links golf anywhere in the world.” Problem is, Tom was a legendary golfer and the average golfing nomad is still trying to get to that level of play. Long hitters are likely to be frustrated on this target links layout as accuracy is far more important; tight fairways and hidden greens demand precision and the rough is punishing.
The first few holes are surprisingly mundane, apart from the second which plays to a green set between two dunes, high above the fairway. It’s at the par 4, 7th where the spectacular scenery comes into play, with an intimidating cliff to the right of the fairway and the green perched up against the drop. The back nine gets even better with views of the sea between the highest grassy sand dunes in the world. The 17th sums up the course perfectly. With the fairway running along the coast, a huge dune stands sentinel to the green allowing a narrow approach, further enhanced by a big drop off and a pot bunker. It’s after the ball has been sunk that you’ll turn and realize that you are standing on a living postcard vista.
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