Emerald Fairways and Foam-flecked Seas

Every golfer dreams of making a pilgrimage to Ireland to enjoy the 'craic' and play some memorable golf on some of the most magnificent courses in the world. From the opening drive at Lahinch, to the spectacular dune-framed holes ay Ballybunion, Ireland boasts an extraordinary collection of seaside links. Royal County Down, Royal Portrush, Portmarnock, Portstewart, Waterville and the Island, the European Club and Baltry-any of these would be reason to cross an ocean, and the concentration of all of them on such a small land mass makes for a golfer's paradise limited only by time and budget. For the tourist or the dreamer, there can be no better guide than James W. Finegan. A passionate advocate and a charming storyteller, Finegan combines a writer's eye, a historian's knowledge, and a golfer's sense of wonder and apprehension to provide an impossibly ambitious grand tour of this beautiful land.In a loop that begins in the West at Lahinch and continues clockwise through both the Republic and Northern Ireland, Finegan covers more than fifty courses, visiting those that have become true shrines of the game, the courses that are well known and respected, and the little-known gems you might otherwise pass right by. He shares the history of the courses, and writes marvelously what's to be found as you play them yourself. And he provides all the information you need to make your arrangements, both on and off the course.