adamstanley0912

What a stunner. This Robert Trent Jones II layout features 450 feet of elevation changes, with views of the Caribbean Sea (and Mt. Nevis) on practically every hole. The drama and the character make this golf course a little more exciting than the Royal St. Kitts GC on the neighbouring island. But both clubs are extremely fun to play. The Nevis course features a fine collection of par fives (including the extremely dramatic 600+ yard 16th), and the overall conditioning of the course is top-notch. The staff are friendly, and the Four Seasons Resort itself is unbelievable. Not only that, but you might get a gallery of monkeys watching you as you play your round. A little different, and a lot of fun.

As a Canadian, escaping from the frozen northern tundra during February is bliss. When it's to the Caribbean, its even better when your destination is the Royal St. Kitts Golf Club on the tropical island of St. Kitts (about 2.5 hours from Miami). The golf course was the first on the island, and its stretch of finishing holes, 15-18, are some of the strongest I've ever played. The whole course is, essentially, through swirling winds. But the setting, the collection of par-3's (including the par-3 15th), and the condition of the greens make this course a thrill-a-minute. Some spotty conditioning on the fairways, but overall, a very strong island golf experience

Enniscrone is set, mostly, through large dunes that rise along either side of the fairways, resulting in many blind shots and holes that twist and turn along the Irish sea. An incredible setting for pictures, Enniscrone is a challenge for all levels of golfers, and yet, wonderfully walkable. The only downside to Enniscrone are the stretch of holes on the front nine that are very pedestrian. It felt as though you went the wrong way and ended up playing a few holes from Enniscrone's sister course instead. Alas, the back-nine stretch through the dunes and along the water are undeniably amazing, and some of the best in the Northwest of Ireland.

Although lacking the dramatics of nearby Enniscrone, the links of Murvagh (or Donegal Golf Club. There was certainly some confusion there) is a lovely course that - despite it's length - can be played by golfers of all levels. The course is much less intimidating than some of the other links courses in the area, and with large greens, it's a fun track. The greens are quick and protected by many bunkers, but as you traverse the land, you realize you're playing a pure links course. As the sun set on my round, the whole atmosphere while finishing was magical. Some elevated tee blocks allow you to get a strong look at most of the property, including Donegal Bay. The 8th hole is probably the strongest par-5 in the area. Another unique feature: the forest! You'll see a lot of that at Donegal, and none anywhere else in the area. A fine feature.

After completing 18 holes (walking) and the devilish Sandy Hills in the morning, our group of eight decided to grab four carts and play as an eightsome in the afternoon at Old Tom. It could be the most fun I've had on a golf course, and that had a lot to do with the setting itself. The back-nine at Old Tom runs adjacent to Sheephaven Bay, giving golfers a ton of photo opportunities. The greens are immaculate, and the course is much more forgiving as compared to Sandy HIlls. Accuracy is still at a premium, but with large greens and less forced carries, it's a fun, classic links course.

A stunning sister course to the Old Course at Ballyliffin is the (newish) Glashedy Links. Appropriately named as the view of Glashedy Rock Island rarely leaves your sight, the Glashedy course has much more drama than the Old Course, but is an equally-easy walk. The Par-3's (there are only three of them) are standouts, with each a dramatic downhill approaches to well-guarded greens. The course winds its way through sweeping dunes with idyllic green sites. Glashedy and the Old Course are a perfect pairing (and for only 150 Euros to play both, it seems like a no-brainer!)

I'd never played Falcon Ridge before, but here are my key takeaways --

1) The clubhouse is spectacular. Whether it's new or newly renovated, it's a real treat.
2) The staff is very friendly, even though they seem slightly disinterested
3) The greens are on the slow side, but they roll true and are in great shape
4) The fairways are a little burned out, but nothing dramatic there
5) The tee boxes are very uneven and could use some work
6) For the conditioning, I thought the price was $5-10 too high.

A pleasant enough experience. If you can find a discounted rate, go for it.