GOWRAN PARK, COUNTY KILKENNY

Architect: Jeff Howes (2001). Yardage: 5,967-6,681 (par 71). Green fees: €25 midweek,

€35 weekends.

In a nutshell… It is a course wrapped up in a horse racing track. Seven holes are played over rolling terrain inside the track rails, while the remainder play through woods and over and around water, making for a varied test. It’s a heady mix and always an exceptionally enjoyable one, too.

You’ll love the… Change of pace throughout as you cross the tracks on three separate occasions. There are also several holes that really stand out, including the exceedingly tough par-4 4th and the beautiful, straight par-4 15th, which play through towering trees from tee to green. 00353 56 772 6699 www.gowranpark.ie