Ireland – West & North West – Donegal (Murvagh) – 7280 yds – Par 73

Configured in two loops of nine holes, Donegal Golf Links is often described as the Muirfield of Ireland and the course can provide a fearsome challenge when the wind rises, as is reflected in its standard scratch of 75. Isolated from the rest of the mainland by a thick mass of woodland, the site is spectacular by any standards.

There are so many excellent holes at Donegal Golf Links that it is hard to know where to begin but the stretch from the fifth to the eighth is generally regarded as being the most exciting. The par 3, fifth measures over 190 yards from the tee to a plateau green, which is receptive for a well played shot, while the par 5, sixth offers a stunning view of the beach from a high tee box. The seventh plunges downwards to a two tiered green and requires two excellent shots and so the eighth, an exceptional par 5, measuring 550 yards. Two cracking woods will leave a pitch to a massive green, where slackness is ill advised if you want to avoid three putts.