Reviewed: Ballybunion

In an American list of the top 100 courses Ballybunion (Old Course) sits at number 8, founded in 1893 it represents the ultimate links on as wild a stretch of land as you will find. The Atlantic can be heard and felt on many holes, with crosswinds and breathtaking views this course is an experience you will remember.

Virtually treeless this is a true seaside links, there appears to be no man made features and nature tends to dictate blind shots, awkward angles and threatening dunes. Some of the sand hills along this course are huge and accuracy is the key here, miss the fairway and you may not find your ball!

The elevated tee on the first hole sits directly beneath the enormous 1971 vintage concrete-block clubhouse and overlooks an ancient cemetery and road to the right. It is not a long hole so should pose little threat if you can keep your nerves under control with the watching gallery of golfers. The next few holes offer tight fairways but little view of the ocean and the real golf and inspiring scenery begins at the 415-yard seventh, with a cliff to the right and a Cliffside green to hit on approach.

Possibly the signature hole of the course, the 400-yard eleventh, has it?s fairway divided into three parts, making club selection off the tee very important and is tightened with the beach to the right, dunes to the left and rough everywhere else. The long-hitter will be greeted with trouble and irritation here, keeping it straight, rather than distance is what is required.

This theme is continued on the final two holes, the last has the famed Sahara bunker, wider than the fairway and positioned squarely in the centre. The entrance to the deep and narrow green is guarded by two dunes making the approach shot a good final test of accuracy.

The Old Course at Ballybunion provides a unique type of target links golf, with awkward tee shots and demanding approaches. The rolling fairways, contoured greens and the ever present wind combine to make this course a magnificent challenge although you just can’t help but enjoy yourself.

The atmosphere and history is fantastic and some of the golf holes will stay with you for the rest of your life.