When Tom Watson played the main course as part of his preparation for the defence of his British Open title in 1981, he remarked on the fairness of the layout. There are no tricks or nasty surprises, only an honest, albeit searching test of shotmaking skills.

Invariably rated as Ireland’s best course in ballots by the Irish Golf Institute, Portmarnock takes justifiable pride in its 27 holes, which are maintained to the highest standards. Ranked number 11 of Golf Worlds Top 100.