Copyright 2005 Steve Uzell

Whether you’ve played there a dozen times or have yet to have the pleasure, few things in your golf life will be as eagerly anticipated as the start of an Ireland golf vacation. And we can think of no better hole on which to kick things off than No.1 at Doonbeg Golf Club on the southwestern coast.

Standing on the tee, you instantly get a neatly packaged snapshot and understanding of what Irish golf is all about and the excitement that’s in store.

To the left, the waves of Doughmore Bay lap at a crescent-shaped beach, which itself is separated from the fairway by a ridge of massive, grassy dunes running down the left side of the hole and encircling the green, amphitheater style.

In front of you is what seems like a mile-wide fairway; firm, fast and rippling down toward some devilish pot bunkers that will undoubtedly cause concern with your second shot.

But, for the time being, the view inspires you to swing away, which is exactly what you’ve been waiting to do since you left the baggage claim.

And, because the hole is a par-5, there’s a reasonable opportunity to make birdie or par and, thus, start your Ireland golf vacation off in an even more positive frame of mind.

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