So just what is it that makes Ireland produce such world class golfers being such a small country? Well, we certainly have our share of golf courses with over one third of the worlds links courses here in Ireland. There are several points to look at here but Ireland has always produced prolific golfers who have competed and in recent times dominated the world stage.

Padraig Harrington went through an excellent spell of form which saw him pick up three Majors in two years which included back to back Open titles. In 2011 we all witnessed the guile of Rory McIlroy in being so unfortunate in Augusta at the Masters and then displaying effortless golf when he romped home with the US Open win at Congressional. A year earlier in 2010, Graeme McDowell won the US Open at Pebble Beach. Darren Clarke beat the odds in 2011 to win the British Open at Royal St. Georges.

Perhaps its the natural conditioning of how our players learn to play the game through windy coastal conditions and the odd shower. We often hear visitors discussing the wind as being strong but we would consider it a breeze on most occasions! Learning to play the game under the elements puts a lot of different shots in the bag and the golfers endurance to play such weather becomes second nature. All this being said, we of course prefer to play in favourable conditions and perhaps our most acomplished golfers find it considerably easier without having to battle the elements.

Visiting golfers to Ireland often remark on the weather. As a company we don't want our guests to experience dreadful weather for the duration of their tour. Most of our guests who experience fantastic weather (it happens) often long for a harsh day to experience the challenges and test all the equipment and shots that they have worked on prior to their trip.

People come to Ireland for more than a golf trip. Its to meet the friendly people, enjoy the pubs and gourmet food in smoke free environments, experience world class accommodations and by the end of the trip this will all be summarized as 'the craic'. Links Golf Ireland looks forward to welcoming you to the 'Home of the Champions' and we promise to deliver an epic golf trip to all our guests.