Ireland – West & North West – Galway Bay – 7190 yds – Par 72

The Atlantic Ocean washes the Galway Bay Golf & Country Club on three sides, yet the course is very much of parkland terrain. Set on nearly 300 acres, the water hazards and rolling landscape of Galway Bay combine with manicured fairways and acclaimed putting surfaces to ensure a true but fair test of golf. A notable absence of trees, a characteristic of many seaside courses, leaves the course exposed to the elements and places a premium on shot making skills.

Measuring over 7,000 yards from the championship stakes, it is difficult to select any one hole for special mention but three holes do leave a certain lasting impression. The short 7th is an appealing if not very difficult par 3, which demands a confident tee shot over a lake onto a two tiered green. Rated as the most difficult hole on the course, the par 4, 12th hole requires a well hit drive into the prevailing wind and an accurate approach to the green, while Gary Player has described the 178 yard 13th hole as one of the finest par 3′s he has ever seen or played.