Castlerock

The Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland is blessed with a number of golf's finest links courses. Royal Portrush and Portstewart are famous the world over, but on your next trip, be sure not to overlook the wonderful layout at Castlerock.

It is situated within a drive and three-iron of the back nine at Portstewart, but because both are separated by the mount of the River Bann, it requires a 25 minute drive to get there. However no journey is more worthwhile. In fact it may no longer be termed a 'hidden gem' , because word is getting out and visiting golfers can be found there on a daily - if not hourly - basis.

Castlerock plays shorter and more rugged than Portrush, but this only adds to it's character and charm. My favourite element of the course is it's suitability for matchplay golf. There are so many risk-reward shots on the course that you have to keep your wits about you at all times. A few weak tee shots and you can be staring down the barrel of an 80. But there are birdies to be made also. One of Northern Ireland's most recent golfing starlet's - Graeme McDowell - dismantled the field here in the 200 World Universities Championship with a total of 12 under par.

The most picturesque and aesthetically pleasing holes are found down where the River Bann meets the Atlantic Ocean, but perhaps the best hole on the course is the 4th. "Leg O Mutton" is a 200 yard par 3 that is loaded with trouble. On the right (and not far off the line of your shot) you have the railway line. A meandering burn runs down the opposite side and collects anything hit with a trace of right-to-left. The green is heavily bunkered, and is far from a simple two-putt once found. It's not really what you like to be facing just half an hour into your round, but it is most definitely a hole that sorts the men from the boys.

One special mention I should give to Castlerock is the most generous welcome that visitors receive from the members and clubhouse staff. There is an extremely friendly atmosphere about the place.

Its maybe not the toughest links course in Ireland, but is certainly championship standard and one of the most enjoyable. Be sure to add this on to your itinerary next time you visit the North of Ireland.