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27 PORTMARNOCK HOSTED THE CANADA CUP IN 1960 WON BY ARNOLD PALMER AND SAM SNEAD Continued from previous page views from both the tees and greens were stunning as several looked off the edge of the cliffs into the crashing ocean. The greens were relatively small and the rough was deep. We lost our fair share of balls and it has a reputation as a love it or hate it course. My advice is to not worry about the score and enjoy the scenery and the test of golf. We didn't have much time between 18 holes but the rain at least stopped and we had caddies for the famed Old Course. The opening hole is an elevated tee with a generous landing area as long as you avoid the cemetery off to the right which plays OB. The holes wind and weave through the natural landscape offering beautiful ocean views and a fair test of golf. The first 5 holes are a good warm up and can lull you into submission before needing to be on your game for the challenging 6th, 8th, 11th and 15th. When the wind is down you need to make scoring opportunities but avoid the over grown rough. Take time to have a drink and meal in the clubhouse afterward and enjoy some of the most stunning course and ocean views in golf. The next day it was off to Lahinch. It is a quaint surfer town and had a feel similar to that of St. Andrews in Scotland with cobblestone streets, unique shops, pubs and a homey feel. Having time before our round we stopped by the Cliffs of Moher where a new multimillion dollar visitor's center was recently opened that features the 8 km stretch of the rocky cliffs that was in the last Harry Potter movie. Then it was off to the course. There are two 18 hole courses at Lahinch the Castle Course and the more challenging course the Old Course. The Old was designed by Old Tom Morris in 1892 and alterations were later made by Dr. Alistair Mackenzie of Augusta, Pebble Beach and Cypress Point fame. Further changes were undertaken by Martin Hawtree from 1999-2003 in response to coastal erosion related issues. The wind and rain were fierce that day and we were concerned about our round. We went to check in and the staff was shocked we still wanted to play. You know it's bad when the Irish think the weather is too much. The course was challenging. Intimidating rough coupled with several elevation changes and gusting wind and rain required precise club selection. The fairways crossed in multiple locations which surprised me but as long as you respected the right of way play was not affected. The 5th hole is a fabulous par 3 where you feel like you are putting in a stadium and the 6th hole could be one of the best golf holes I have ever seen. It's like the experience of rounding number 3 at Pebble Beach. You turn the corner and the wow factor gets you with a stunning view of the ocean looking down on the beach and green. After the round we headed to the Vaughn Lodge Hotel. A quaint intimate privately owned hotel it boasts all of the personal touches of not being a big chain. The accommodations were spacious and the shower felt great after a long round. We had a delicious meal in the elegant but casual Lodge Restaurant on site and went for the seafood that is highly acclaimed there. The next day it was off to our final Course. The home of the 2006 Ryder Cup, the K Club. This would be our only parkland course of the trip. We checked into the K Club Golf and Spa Resort. This was 5 Star excellence through and through. One of the most beautiful golf resorts in the world. This elegantly restored country house provides luxury and superb service. The grounds are immaculate and have breathtaking gardens. No expense was spared in creating a stunning property. After checking in, it was off to the course. Two championships courses are on property and offer vastly different golfing experiences. The Palmer Smurfit Course is described as an inlands links course and pushes the envelope of golf course design. The Palmer Ryder Cup Course is described as Ireland's most challenging inland course. Truly every hole on this course could be a signature hole. The entire course is maintained impeccably and is punctuated by large lush beautifully manicured tree lined fairways that give you the sense you are golfing in an oasis. The 18th hole par 5, is a classic risk reward hole. The water surrounding half the green makes you think twice making it a phenomenal finishing hole and a memorable one in the Ryder Cup. After the round it was back to the hotel for a drink at the Vintage Crop Bar where Rolling Stones member Ron Wood was having a pint. There we met our tour planner Eamonn. Drinks turned into dinner at the River Room, one of the fabulous restaurants on property. It was a perfect way to cap off the trip reliving all the memories and adventures across Ireland. We toasted many times and learned the Irish cheers term Sláinte (to your good health). Ireland is home to many of the world's top 100 courses. It is one stop shopping for golfers who want to play golf the way it was invented, and have an experience of a life time. Bring a camera, lots of balls, your A game, and hopefully….a little luck of the Irish! Lisa is the 7-Time Canadian Long Drive Champion for Women, a motivational speaker and a golf entertainer. Lisa can be reached through her website at www.lisalongball.com. READ MORE FROM LONGBALL LISA AT WWW.INSIDEGOLF.CA PHOTO COURTESY PORTMARNOCK