14 The European Club

Architect: Ruddy Stats: 6,720 yds, par 71, SSS 72 GF: €100-€180 Visitor information: Guests welcome any day, not before 9am on Sundays W: theeuropeanclub.com 2008 Ranking: 15 (Up 1) Improvements since 2008 Rankings: Course: Grass bunker on 16. New back right corner on 3rd green and a new back left corner on 13th green. More gorse/furze added Clubhouse: Upstairs added to the clubhouse in 2009

This wonderful Co Wicklow links overlooking Brittas Bay is the design handiwork of golf writer turned course architect, Pat Ruddy, who took a helicopter flight around the Irish coast in the 1980s with the specific goal of finding a spectacular new stretch of golfing linksland. His search yielded one of the finest plots of land imaginable for a golf course. The sea is in view on 16 of the 20 holes - the two ‘extras' are in play most days - and visitors will go away remembering the warm welcome and distinctive sleepered bunkers spread liberally throughout the links.

Panellists' comments: "A complete test without being overwhelmingly difficult"; "Splendidly unspoilt and peaceful"

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