Castlerock Golf Club, Castlerock, Northern Ireland

Another one of the Causeway Coast gems is the Castlerock Golf Club, tucked in the corner where Northern Ireland meets the Republic, near the base of the Inishowen Peninsula. Recently upgraded with new 1st and 18th holes, this is a strong test of golf. The most famous hole is arguably on the least interesting terrain of the golf course. It is the 4th, “Leg O’Mutton,” a truly great par-3 of approximately 200 yards, with the railway and out of bounds hard right of the green, and a stream cutting diagonally across the front and left. There is no safe place but on the green. It is a wonderful challenge that will hold you over until the exciting linksland to come later in the round. In fact, we recommend that you don’t stop at the 18th! Some of the most attractive territory on the course is actually the club's “relief nine,” working its way through the highest of the dunes, closest to the sea. You will love the 9th, one of those short par-3s that are naturals for the camera, just begging to be photographed!