Golf Ireland: Galway Bay Golf Resort

Christy O'Connor Jnr's hand is very much in evidence at Galway Bay Golf Resort as well. Set against the Atlantic Ocean, O'Connor has blended the stunning backdrop of Galway Bay and the rugged coastline to produce a memorable course.

The resort will be opening a new clubhouse soon and facilities include a purpose-built academy and fully-equipped pro shop.

The course is simply stunning and on the front nine look out for the 5th and 6th with Galway Bay running along the right hand side.

The 7th is a par 3 of just 140 yards, but it's all carry over water to a two-tiered green and that's followed by a terrific par 4 with water, sand and rough everywhere.

On the back nine, the 12th is another excellent par 4 with the approach over the same lake encountered at the 7th and then the finishing stretch is certainly the most scenic part of the course.

Outstanding par 3s are a feature of O'Connor designs and the 13th here is certainly in that category as it plays across a natural marsh area to a diagonal green well protected on all sides.

The par-5 14th also plays along the ocean and it's followed by another challenging par 3. The 16th is another par 5 with danger all the way along the right and then there's out of bounds down the right of 17.

Don't go too far left at 18, one of the best par 4s you'll play because there is trouble on the right and then there's long second to a well-protected green.