The Dunluce course of Portrush sits proudly on the North Antrim coast – being the only course in Ireland to have hosted the Open Championship and consistently ranked as one of the very best golf courses in the world.

I suspect that the wind and rain that prevailed when we played is normal for this area of the country, but it could not detract from the fact that it is a truly inspiring place to play.

The course twists and turns its way along the coast, with magnificent views over the rolling Irish Sea. In the strong wind, there seemed little chance you could ever play to your handicap, so like many of the difficult seaside links courses, it is a case of enjoying the scenery and the challenge that each hole presents.

The feature hole is the 14th which demands a 210-yard carry against the wind, over a mountainous crater and if you miss the green left, you've lost your ball. A wonderful hole if you hit the green, but easy to understand why it has been christened 'Calamity Corner'.

Great coast line and a great course.