5th at Royal Portrush

Aptly named 'White Rocks' after the stunning seaside cliffs, the 5th on the Dunluce Course at Royal Portrush is in my opinion one of the best holes in Ireland.

At 411 yards from the championship tees, the length of the hole is not overwhelming. But it's still one of those holes where you will be very happy to walk away with a par. The new tee box requires a carry on the ideal line of around 260 yards. There is a small strip of fairway running down the outside lane of this right-hand dogleg, but for those who possess the required length, it is definitely a hole you should consider shortening with an attacking drive. Both the contours and the downhill nature of this hole can make for some very long tee-shots.

From a good drive, the approach can be anything from 50 - 150 yards depending on your line off the tee. Most of the time the ball will kick across to the left edge of the fairway leaving you around 120 yards to the middle of the green. However, the green is divided into two distinct levels with a steep ridge dissecting top and bottom. It is imperative that you find the correct plateau, but one place you do not want to finish is short and right. A collection of humps and hills will send your ball into the adjacent area of thick rough, leaving a flop shot where not only are you short-sided but you must also hope for a playable lie. Even worse than short and right is overclubbing and going long. A couple of yards over the back fringe is out of bounds where your ball will most likely make it's way towards the sandy beach 100 yards below. A lot of seasoned links players prefer to 'feel' their yardage through experience, but this is one shot where you definitely need to know the pin position and your exact number.

Upon completing the hole, your are rewarded with one of the most beautiful views in the whole of Ireland - the White Rocks Beach, Dunluce Castle and the rugged North Antrim Coastline.