Dungannon Golf Club in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland: A champion's home course
Darren Clarke learned to play the game at Dungannon Golf Club, a pretty parkland course right in the middle of Northern Ireland. While the course is pretty enough and the green fee is almost embarrassingly reasonable, the appeal of Dungannon is the opportunity to pay homage to the 2011 British Open champion, Clive Agran writes from County Tyrone.
... full article »Portmarnock Links in County Dublin, Ireland: An affordable, playable seaside golf course
Portmarnock Links does not have history on its side. But the course, which opened in 1995, has everything else going its way -- a playable Bernhard Langer layout, an affordable rate, a historic golfer-friendly hotel and a seaside setting filled with dunes just minutes from the Dublin airport, Jason Scott Deegan writes.
... full article »The Island Golf Club near Dublin, Ireland: Under-appreciated gem is pure links fun
All of the finest links courses around Dublin have hosted the European Tour's Irish Open at least twice. It's probably the only reason why the Island Golf Club constantly flies under the radar when it should be considered 'the' links course to play around Dublin. The words "pure links" are tailor-made for The Island -- the Irish Sea and the Malahide Estuary surround the exposed site on three sides. But it's The Island's dunes that make its competitors look like mole hills.
... full article »The K Club, near Dublin, Ireland, continues to shine in the golf-resort spotlight
Just a few years removed from the 2006 Ryder Cup Matches, one thing remains constant: the timeless elegance of the Kildare Hotel, Spa & Country Club. The K Club, as it is known around the world, remains an Irish jewel on 550 acres just 30 minutes outside Dublin. Ireland's "AA Hotel of the Year" for 2011 has lost none of its rock-star appeal, thanks in large part to its two stellar Arnold Palmer-designed courses, Jason Scott Deegan writes.
... full article »Stadium Course at PGA Catalunya Resort: A golf jewel in Spain's Costa Brava crown
The undisputed jewel in Costa Brava, Spain, is the Stadium Course at PGA Catalunya Resort. And it's not hard to see why it rates so highly on so many lists. It has everything you look for in an outstanding golf course -- self-contained holes that offer a variety of challenges, wonderfully true greens, superb condition, fabulous views and dramatically elevated tees.
... full article »Former Open Championship host Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club is the real Deal in England
Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club -- or Deal as it is locally known -- was once a fixture on the Open rota. But bad luck and natural disasters caused this classy links, located in Kent, England, to be removed from the rotation. More than 60 years on, Deal hopes to again host the Open. If the R&A do decide to add another course to the rotation, it's hard to think of many that can outclass Royal Cinque Ports.
... full article »Golf at Killeen Castle in Ireland: A worthy home for the 2011 Solheim Cup
Just northwest of Dublin, Ireland, the golf course at Killeen Castle is a fitting venue for the 2011 Solheim Cup. The 12th-century Norman castle, golf course and gardens sprawl over more than 600 acres of meadows and woodlands. Fanning out from the castle, the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course is an interesting combo of links meets parkland with thick grasses, subtle greens and tough bunkers, Katharine Dyson writes.
... full article »British Open host Royal St. George's Golf Club in Kent, England is a truly great course
With towering dunes, delightfully springy turf, innumerable bumps and hollows, sea views and a constant breeze, Royal St George's Golf Club -- the 2011 British Open host -- has all the elements that make links golf the thrilling experience that it is. Although obviously a "trophy course" that you can brag about having played when you're back home with your friends, it is also a glorious experience of links golf at its very best.
... full article »Royal Blackheath in London: Play the oldest golf club in England and pay tribute to the game's great traditions, rich heritage
Royal Blackheath Golf Club is a traditional parkland layout, but the rich history of the club is anything but ordinary. The oldest golf club in England, Royal Blackheath has the finest collection of golf memorabilia anywhere. That alone is worth the visit. Clive Agran has more.
... full article »The European Club in County Wicklow, Ireland: Pat Ruddy's links golf masterpiece
The European Club in County Wicklow is the realized dream of Pat Ruddy, a ruddy Irish character, collector of golf books, publisher, golf writer and architect of 36 courses. There are only about 160 true links courses in the world, and this one is worth playing. That's because The European Club is not just an exceptional golf course, it's exceptionally unusual, Katharine Dyson writes.
... full article »Led by its Faldo course, lovely Lough Erne Resort heralds a bright new future in Northern Ireland
Frequently compared with Loch Lomond in Scotland and clearly destined to be up there with the best of them, Lough Erne Resort is living testimony to the new age of optimism that is dawning right across the six counties of Northern Ireland. From the moment you enter through the imposing wrought iron gates, you're conscious of being somewhere special, Clive Agran writes.
... full article »Rye Golf Club in East Sussex, England does it the old fashioned way
About 40 miles up the coast from Royal St. Georges, where the 2011 Open Championship will be held, Rye Golf Club in East Sussex, England is a course visitors should definitely play if at all possible. While it may be difficult to get on, it is certainly worth the effort to try, Clive Argan writes, adding that, "the whole experience is about the nearest thing to P.G. Wodehouse that you'll find in the 21st century."
... full article »Royal Porthcawl Golf Club in Wales: The sand makes it special
Beaches attract visitors to the town of Porthcawl from Wales' most industrious city of Cardiff, which is about 25 miles away. Once you hit the course at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club, a different kind of sand takes your attention - the sand in the sod-walled pot bunkers. But there is design genius outside of the bunkers at Royal Porthcawl, Brandon Tucker writes.
... full article »Southerndown Golf Club in Bridgend, Wales: A rare kind of links
Southerndown is as fun a golf course to play as there is in Wales. It has a great blend of playability and scenery, and it's just tough enough to demand your attention. But be careful as you drive up toward the golf club, because you're sharing the road with sheep that are also making the hike up to the golf course. They have a standing tee time here, and you're just playing through, Brandon Tucker writes.
... full article »Walton Heath in England: Heavenly heather and golf history
Nothing about Walton Heath is new – not The Old or The New golf courses that form a historic duo south of London in the Surrey County town of Tadworth. Former host to the Ryder Cup and the European Open, Walton Heath plays like a Scottish links, though it sits 700 feet above sea level and absorbs the brunt of harsh winds off the Atlantic Play it if you get the chance, Clive Agran writes.
... full article »Castlemartyr Resort: A five-star golf retreat in County Cork, Ireland
The five-star Castlemartyr Resort in Ireland combines centuries of history with modern flair. A reported 90 million Euros were spent to renovate a 17th-century manor house and build a separate hotel wing over a two-year period before opening in August 2007. The resort's golf course is often overlooked by club-wielding foreigners, but savvy locals love it for its affordability and playability.
... full article »Cruden Bay Golf Club in Aberdeenshire: Right up with Scotland's best courses
Perhaps one of the hardest things to do at magnificent Cruden Bay Golf Club when you step into the lovely new clubhouse is to prevent your jaw from dropping open in an undignified way and exclaiming "wow!" Pretty well every visitor privileged to gaze through the large picture windows at the glorious dunesland beneath and the North Sea beyond does it, and no golfer with any feel for the game's origins can really help but gawp at pure golfing heaven, Clive Agran writes.
... full article »The great James Braid pushes the boat out at Boat of Garten Golf and Tennis Club in the Highlands of Scotland
Since it was opened in 1932, the 18-hole course at Boat of Garten Golf and Tennis Club has been tweaked a little. But the magic of James Braid and the remarkable individuality of all the holes is still unmistakeably present in the delightful design which threads through the silver birch, heather and gorse. Boat of Garten is a true test of golf, an exceptionally beautiful course with wonderful views of the River Spey and the mighty Cairngorms, Clive Agran writes.
... full article »The Old Course at Lahinch Golf Club: An Irish treasure loved by pros and amateurs alike
Playing the Old Course at Lahinch just a week before winning the 2009 Open Championship, Stewart Cink came away smitten with the club. The "first 10 holes at Lahinch are some of the coolest links holes I've ever played," Cink said. His comments only solidify Lahinch's status among the top links golf courses, not only in Ireland, but in the world.
... full article »France's Correncon en Vercors Golf Club: The gamble pays off
At an altitude of 1,100 meters, Correncon en Vercors in the French Alps is a mountain golf course as scenic as you'll find. It's also practically in the middle of nowhere. No houses surround the course, and the crack of a golf ball will be loud and echoing the entire 18 holes.
... full article »Discovering the Golf Club at St. Etienne in France's Rhone-Alps
The Oceanico Old Course appeals to traditionalist golfers in Portugal's Algarve
Dunbar Golf Club: Historic links course still one of Scotland's prettiest
Oceanico Faldo Course at Amendoeira Golf Resort in Portugal's Algarve is a winner
O'Connor Course at Amendoeira Golf Resort is changing the face of golf in Portugal
New course offers roller coaster golf at Gran Flamingos Golf Club on Spain's Costa Del Sol
England's Burnham & Berrow Golf Club boasts century of championship pedigree
Prayers are answered: St. Enodoc's Church Course is a southwest England delight
Up close with Danish royalty: Stay at Hotel Store Kro in Fredensborg, Denmark
Bull Bay Golf Club on Anglesey: Wales' northernmost golf course is a heathland beast
A favorite of Nicklaus and Trevino, Barseback Golf and Country Club in Sweden won't disappoint
Sunningdale Golf Club near London: Women's British Open host exceeds great expectations
Ljunghusen Golf Club in Hollviken, Sweden: A beauty by the Baltic
Woodenbridge Golf Club in the Vale of Avoca among Ireland's best golf courses
Royal North Devon Golf Club: Soak in the history, avoid the sheep at England's oldest links course
Denmark's Royal Copenhagen Golf Club: Watch out for those Danish deer
Nefyn & District Golf Club: The place for golf 'firsts' in Wales
Clifftop views, strong finish highlight Cardigan Golf Club in southwest Wales
The secret's out at hidden Enniscrone Golf Club in NW Ireland
El Chaparral Golf Club near Malaga, Spain second to none, reader Greg Blake remarks
Pennard Golf Club in southern Wales: A dramatic, old school links course in the sky
Ashburnham Golf Club re-emerges as a can't-miss links in southwest Wales
Playing Open venue Carnoustie isn't pretty (just like Van de Velde's bare legs)
Ardglass Golf Club: A hidden gem in County Down, Northern Ireland
Take it from a member: Castle Hume Northern Ireland's best parkland golf course
Royal Portrush: Ireland's only British Open venue remains one of golf's best links
Headfort Golf Club's new course: Christy O'Connor brings forth an Irish beast
Reader: Amsterdam's Waterlandse Golf Club a Dutch treat
Relax (or not) at the Radisson Roe Park Hotel and Golf Resort in Northern Ireland
Play authentic Irish 'castle golf' at Ballyheigue Castle Golf Club in County Kerry
Conditions at La Marquesa Golf Club in Spain impress reader
Connemara Golf Club provides a safe landing in northwest Ireland
Prestwick Golf Club: Too short for a British Open but challenging for the rest of us
Lisselan Golf Club no ordinary walk in the parkland in County Cork, Ireland
Kingsbarns in St. Andrews: A 21st-century complement to golf's hallowed ground
Alyth Golf Club makes the A-list in Perthshire
King's Course at Gleneagles outshines PGA Centenary, host of the 2014 Ryder Cup
Ballyliffin Golf Club: Golfers find Ireland's northernmost links is well worth the trek
New Course at St. Andrews: Scotland golf's most famous second fiddle
British Open host Turnberry at the top of its game after a century of golf
Estoril Golf Club: Classic European golfing in the birthplace of 007
Praia D'El Rey golf course in Portugal a victim of overdevelopment
Reader applauds Portugal's Alto Golf & Country Club in the Algarve
Historic Royal Dornoch Golf Club in Scotland's Highlands is well worth the drive
London Golf Club features courses with more teeth than an alligator
Hainault Forest golf: The price isn't right, Martin Lumb says
Oitavos Golf Club highlights Lisbon's "Golf Coast" in Portugal
France's Chiberta Golf Club: C'est magnifique
Reader: Peacehaven Golf Club among southern England's toughest courses
Golf Resort Karlstejn in the shadow of a famous Czech castle is fit for a modern-day king
Experience a memorable slice of history at Hever Castle Golf Club
Carton House Golf Club is an Irish challenge, reader says
Chart Hills Golf Club in Kent, England is a Nick Faldo masterpiece
Northern Ireland's Moyola Park Golf Club a disappointment, reader says
Portugal's Golden Eagle Golf Club far from a golden play, reader says
Warrenpoint Golf Club in Ireland maintains high quality
Old Head Golf Links is head of the class in County Cork, reader says
Tuscany's Castelfalfi Golf and Country Club: Odd place, great play
Krakow Valley Golf & Country Club's only competition is itself in southern Poland
Head for the hills of Northumberland's Alnwick Golf Club
A little America and a lot of Ireland make a nice mix at PGA National
Golf at Las Ramblas in Spain leaves a lot to be desired, reader says
Play power golf at stately Powerscourt in Enniskerry, Ireland
Bettystown gives you an affordable, true Irish links golf experience
Wars, wolves and now golf: Don't miss Mt. Temple in Co. Westmeath
Tear yourself away from the Irish links, drink in the scenery at Woodenbridge
Lahinch Golf Club: Two courses, one amazing Irish golf experience
Doonbeg Golf Club: An artful balance of links and resort golf
Tralee Golf Club in County Kerry: The best Irish links course you've never heard of
Kilkee Golf Club: A little pot o' gold in County Clare, Ireland
Ballybunion's Old Course: Historic links punishes modern golfers
Club Castel d' Aviano to be savored like fine Italian wine
Spain's La Manga Club leaves golfers wanting to go back for more
Machrihanish Golf Club in Argyll and Bute: Scotland's faraway links
Royal Ashdown Forest is a real treat, but don't be fooled, it's a real test
Weather is pushing Swiss to consider golf as winter sports decline
Budock Vean Hotel offers comforting retreat from modern England
Salzburg in Austria has plenty to offer, but be careful on the mountains
Powerscourt GC unknown to many, but they like it that way
Santana Golf & Country Club delights the senses
Vale do Lobo is Europe's toughest course
Prepare for an authentic Scottish experience at Scotscraig Golf Club
England's Woburn Abbey an unknown gem, but now the secret's out
When in Sevilla, check out the golf, but don't forget the tapas
Old Head and the European Club are the new classics of Ireland
More than just challenging links golf, Royal County Down is a life experience
Doonbeg makes a bold statement on the international scene
Tree-Lined Terrain at Mount Juliet
Lahinch Golf Club is positively enchanting
Feel the history at Monifieth Golf Links
Foxhills Golf Club: A touch of Americana in the heart of England
The West Course at Wentworth: One of the jewels of English golf
The Eden Course: Paradise found in St. andrews
Kingsbarns Golf Links: The best of Scottish links golf
Marriott Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club's East Course: A wonderfully welcoming place for golf near Edinburgh, Scotland
Braid Hills Golf Course in Edinburgh, Scotland: A true formula for success
Ireland's literary capital a novel home base for an emerald isle golf vacation
On the Algarve: Palmares Golf
Surreal landscapes at Spain's Costa Ballena Golf
Meet the K-Club: Ireland's 2005 Ryder Cup venue
Dehesa Montenmedio Golf and Country Club: Striking natural surroundings
Playing the game in southern Spain
Valderrama Golf Club: Top of the range in spain
Stoke Park Club: Love lends just the right touch
England's Killiow Park: Remember the name
Delamere Forest Golf Club
Stoke Park golf course in England: Love lends just the right touch
A comforting retreat from modernity in england
Portugal Play (Part 2): Northern challenges
Portugal Golf (Part 3): Combines culture and courses
An introduction to golf in Portugal
Spain's First Game: Golf in the Huelva Area
Portuguese Golf Mecca: Lisbon and surrounds
Downfield Golf Club: Featuring length, charm and character
Birchwood Golf Course: Tranquillity amongst the mayhem in england
Kings Acre Golf Course: Quickly maturing into a masterpiece
The Old Course: Even presidents consider ancient links a must-play
Montrose Links Medal Course appeals to every golfer
Put your troubles behind you at Mullion Golf Course
St. Andrews Bay Resort and Golf: Expanding resort offers the best of both worlds
Monifieth Golf Links, Pitlochry Golf Club are worthy stops
An Irish Gem (made in scotland): Mullingar Golf Club
Ireland's European Club
Old Head Golf Links: Ireland's seaside treasure
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LATEST EUROPE GOLF CLUBS, COURSES & RESORT REVIEWS
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County Donegal Golf Package
Dates: December 1, 2012 - December 31, 2013
Four-star lodging for seven nights at Ballyliffin Lodge and Bushmills Inn with full Irish breakfast each morning. Play six rounds of golf: The Old Course at Ballyliffin Golf Club, Rosapenna Golf Club, Ballyliffin's Glasheady Course, Royal Portrush, Portstewart, and Castlerock.
Price range: $2820
For more information
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