11-20
11 – Rosapenna (Sandy Hills)One of the highest climbers in our GB&I ranking last year takes the Sandy Hills track to the cusp of the top 10. It could easily move up further and anyone who has played here would surely nod in approval.
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12 – Ballyliffin (Glashedy)The Glashedy is a player’s course, requiring proper golf shots to master it. It does have charm too, but like most Pat Ruddy designs, it can bite you on every hole.
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13 – County SilgoLaid out in 1894, ‘Rosses Point’ offers truly spectacular holes, not least the drive from the 5th – which falls to a fairway some 200ft below.
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14 – The IslandIt would be easy to overlook The Island in favour of some bigger names but we love this traditional links on the outskirts of Dublin.
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15 – Old Head of KinsaleThe Margaret Thatcher of courses. Some love the amazing views and clifftop thrills, others turn their nose up at the modest holes.
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16 – DonegalBig, mean and uncompromising, this 1973 design has lots of very good holes. Pat Ruddy tightened up Eddie Hackett’s original design that is loved by one of its members, Darren Clarke.
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17 – EnniscroneWe’ve long championed Enniscrone and are pleased most agree it is one of Ireland’s finest. Donald Steel was brought in to liven up the weaker holes – but really it is Mother Nature who has played the biggest part in making this a top-20 course.
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18 – Adare ManorThe leading parkland course in Ireland keeps its place in the top 20 despite intense competition. It is a resort course but is no pushover; on our last visit the rough was seriously thick if you were off the fairway.
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19 – Lough ErneWith Sir Nick Faldo (as designer) and Rory McIlroy (attached as touring pro) involved, this is a venue with real calibre. The Enniskillen course cleverly incorporates the loughs and varies in nature from heathland to parkland.
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20 – TraleeArnold Palmer surely left his imprint on this remote Kerry course, which is true to his swashbuckling style as a player. Expect lots of thrilling carries and risk-reward holes, especially on a back nine which is out of this world.
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