Waterville traces its roots back to 1889 when the first trans-Atlantic communication cables were laid in the area and the hundreds of technicians fancied a sporting diversion - so they built a golf course.

But the course as it exists today dates back to the early 1970s when Irish born American, John Mulcahy, teamed up with Irish course archiect Eddie Hackett and Claude Harmon to redesign the old links. The course has been taken to a new level in 2004 following reshaping work by US course architect Tom Fazio, who has reworked six of the holes to enhance their visual appeal.

The wonder is that these great course architects have combined so well, tweeking what was already there to make Waterville an unforgetable links for 2004. It's a modern course that feels so mature and in this respect comparisons can be drawn with Kingsbarns in Scotland. Both courses enjoy idyllic locations where you can forget the outside world and simply do battle with the elements.

Best Hole: This really is a great course and there are just too many to choose from. Take a look for yourself.

Location: Waterville, County Kerry, Ireland

Green Fees: £101

Tel: 00353 669474102

Web: www.watervillehouse.com

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