Bantry Bay Golf Club's 18 Hole Championship Course, open all year, towers above the head of Bantry Bay, in the Far West of County Cork. Fourteen holes immediately overlook the shore where the warm Gulf Stream first touch land on this side of the Atlantic, Fuchsias abound, and there are splendid panoramic views across the sea and islands to the Beara Mountains, Sheep's Head and the Mizen Peninsula.

Course architects Eddie Hackett and Christy O'Connor Jnr., of Ryder Cup fame, in keeping with USGA standards, have adapted some 170 acres of picturesquely undulating scenery - even the six lakes and other hazards would charm a landscape artist.

They have created a course on which the scratch golfer must thoughtfully exert himself to achieve Par 71, while the Handicap golfer, too, has fair chance of glory. Great variety, from a Par 3 of a mere 126 meters to a Par 5 of 487 meters to a two-tier green, demands skilful versatility.