A Hidden Golfing Gem in Ireland

As a native of Ireland and a passionate golfer and knowing how much the American golfing fraternity loves links golf, I thought I would share my own personal opinions of some of the well known and less well known links courses in the North of Ireland.

There are around 44 links courses dotted around the coast of Ireland many of which I have played and many of which I have yet to play. There are those which are world famous and there are those which are less well known. Some of the less well known courses are "off the beaten track" but are every bit as spectacular both in terms of scenery and the challenge which they offer.

Opinions will differ but my own personal favorite is Portsalon Golf Club. It is a true links in the more traditional style. Originally built in 1891, it went through a recent metamorphosis under the guidance of Pat Ruddy in 2001 transforming it into a formidable challenge for all golfers.

It is now, quite simply, one of Irish golf's hidden secrets. It is the only golf course, where on approaching the course for the first time, I was left awestruck by the breathtaking scenery. What a magnificent setting for a golf course! I can still feel that sense of anticipation I had that first time I stepped out onto the first tee, where the full magnificent panorama of the course is laid out in front of you.

Situated on the Fanad Peninsula, in Donegal about 22 miles north of Letterkenny, the links is flanked, on the east, by Ballymastocker Bay and its three beaches, one of which has been voted the second most beautiful beach in the world and beyond to Lough Swilly and to the beauty of the Inishowen Peninsula. To the south, it is sheltered by the rugged Knockalla mountains and to the north and west it is surrounded by the ancient Donegal hills. What a perfect backdrop for the 7000 yards plus links, enough to enthrall any golfer.

Its fairways are dune lined, with craftily placed bunkers and well protected greens. There is a hint of parkland in the closing 6 holes but this only emphasizes the eccentricity and allure of this great course. These are the hallmarks of Portsalon.

The opening six holes are normally playing into the prevailing wind. The second is a frightening hole from any of the tees. A scary drive over water, if you're brave enough, still leaves a long carry over the 20 yard wide river, which meanders close to the left rough and in front of the hourglass green which is protected by deep bunkers. The third is a short, straight-away par 4.

The fourth is a tough driving 530-yard par 5 played along a narrow dune lined fairway, with great views of the beach that brings you away from the clubhouse. The green is one of two double greens. The 5th is the first of Portsalon's cracking par 3s. They all pose their unique problems. Usually downwind, watch for the two bunkers that will gobble up any ball straying short and left. The sixth is a monster off the championship tees. Miss the fairway and you have no chance reaching the green. Its not index 1 for nothing.

The seventh brings you the furthest point from the clubhouse, a slight dogleg par 4 with a bunker in the middle of your approach to the green that will catch anything short. 8 and 9 are a tough par 5 and long par 4 requiring straight, long hitting. The 10th (137 yard par-3) and 11th (489 yard par-5) bring take out to the furthest point from the clubhouse before heading back for home. The 12th is a longish exposed par three. Aim for the center of the green or you'll need Phil Mickelson to get up and down.

The 13th is a parkland-like, wonderful, short par 4 that requires accuracy as a drive too far left will be blocked by trees, too far right and you are dead. From the highest point on the course, the 14th tee, you have a wonderful view of the entire course. You have 2 or 3 options off the tee but if you are feeling lucky, with a tail wind, you can take a more direct route and drive further right and hope to knock 50 or 60 yards off your second. The green is a monster shared with the 3rd hole.

The 15th is a lovely uphill par three at 175 yards, surrounded by bunkers. Anything long or you'll need Phil Mickelson again. The 16th is a lovely, downhill par-4 with a parkland feel, a blind tee shot over a crest, will leave you with a mid to short iron to the green. Make sure to take enough club to clear the stream some 20 yards short of the green. The par 5 17th needs you to take on the out of bounds on the left to have any chance of reaching in two. A great drive will leave an uphill shot to a green which is set back some 20 yards from the crest of the hill so many tend to leave the approach on the front edge rather than the centre of the green. The 18th is a tough closing hole, out of bounds all along the left but acres of room on the right. Bale out too far right and you leave a long second. The approach is difficult to a slightly elevated green, short and you are in the small stream 10 yards in front of the green.

I hope I have whetted your appetite for one of the best, most beautiful courses I have ever played. This is golf as it was meant to be played. No frills just golf au naturelle. And before I forget. If you want a real treat, take the longer route to the course, along the coast road from Rathmullan. The views as you approach Portsalon are absolutely awe-inspiring.

Throw in the legendry Irish hospitality and you have an experience not to forget.