87 Carne

Architect: Hackett Stats: 6,339 yds, par 72, SSS 71 GF: €35-€65 Visitor information: Visitors welcome 364 days a year W: carnegolflinks.com 2008 Ranking: 83 (Down 4) Improvements since 2008 Rankings: Course: New number 9 ongoing Clubhouse: Bar & Restaurant now franchised and operated by award-winning Chef John Conmy

Carne, which opened in 1993 near Belmullet in County Mayo, was Eddie Hackett's final design. The Irishman's insistence on a 'least disturbance' approach has resulted in a series of spectacular back-nine holes threading their way through the dunes. Among them is the 16th - 'Wild Orchid' - one of the most steeply downhill par 3s on any links.

Panellists' comments: "Wonderfully twistyrouting that features some madcap holes"; "Rugged, untamed and unabashed"

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