Doonbeg, Co Claire

Chosen for his “least disturbance philosophy,” The Doonbeg golf site was designed by two-time British Open Champion Greg Norman. Spanning 1.5 miles of crescent shaped beach and century-old sand dunes, the course offers views across the Atlantic from the green, the fairway, or tee of 16 of the 18 holes

Standing on the first tee, your eyes are drawn to the 1.5-mile crescent beach and the massive dunes. The first hole could be soon deemed among the best starting holes in golf. After your drive lands on the downhill fairway, you must avoid the small pot bunker on your second to allow for your third to the green. The large green complex is protected on 3 sides by an enormous dune that signifies the imagery for the entire course.

As with the day's first hole, the last is as fine a finishing hole as you'll ever want! The Atlantic stretches down the right side – the entire length of the 440 yard hole. However, take care not to bail-out too far left or your second shot may prove extremely difficult. The deceptive green will test your putting skills, but when you've knocked it in you can head into the Lodge for a pint and a recap of your great day on the links.

Did sea define the land or land the sea? Each drew new meaning from the waves’ collision. Sea broke on land to full identity - Seamus Heaney