A Kingdom full of irresistible jewels

When the Murphy's Irish Open arrives at Ballybunion Golf Club next week, it will mark merited recognition for one of Ireland's premier golfing theatres. The Kerry venue has long been revered, its attraction measured not just in the quality of golfing icon it attracts but the sheer number of golfers, ability immaterial, who travel from the USA and Europe to enjoy this magnificent links.

Whether the Old or the Cashen courses, golfers are offered a great test that transcends physical attributes, demanding as much mental agility and imagination to negotiate the terrain. Tom Watson, this year's honorary captain, has broadened the appeal of the course in his native USA, serving as a wonderful ambassador.

His imprimatur ensured the arrival of the game's premier player Tiger Woods. Neither will be present next week when the course eyeballs an elite field - the locals are praying the elements will lend support to the venue rather than the combatants.

While Ballybunion assimilates the glare of local, national and European media, Ireland's golfing enthusiasts will assemble to watch the battle between course and competitor - over 30,000 are expected to traipse along the designated walkways. Holiday homes, hotels, and local houses have been swallowed up by the visitors as accommodation demands mounted.

Tralee, Killarney and Listowel will house the overflow, the less organised finding hard currency useless in trying to secure accommodation at short notice. The event will be worth millions of pounds to the immediate community and the financial ripples will extend across the Kingdom; for there is one thing that the average golfer likes more than watching the game's best players . . . trying to emulate them.

Ballybunion is long regarded as the brightest jewel in the Kingdom's crown and in successfully attracting the Irish Open they indirectly dispense largesse to their golfing neighbours in Kerry. While excellent venues like Killarney, Waterville and Tralee entice golfers in their droves some of the lesser-lauded brethren will also benefit from the influx of golfing folk.

The delights of Dooks golf club, a links perched on the coast between the towns of Killorglin and Glenbeigh, offers views of Inch Strand and the Dingle peninsula - the latter houses Ceann Sibeal, the most westerly golf course in Europe, blessed with superb views of the rugged coastline and the Atlantic Ocean.

For those who prefer parkland, Beaufort, built on the former Churchtown Estate - the ruins of Castle Gore stand by the 13th green - in the shadow of the MacGillycuddy Reeks and Ireland's highest mountain, Carrauntoohil, is just one of a host of quality new designs in Kerry that also includes the Ring of Kerry course in Templenoe.

For those with less time or more modest ambition there is a selection of well appointed nine-hole courses from Ballyheigue to Dunloe, Kerries to Listowel, the latter a 10-minute drive from the Irish Open venue itself.

So while Ballybunion is home to the professionals from June 29th to July 2nd, those who choose to bring their clubs threaten to have their cake and eat it - the varied delights of golf in the Kingdom are potentially irresistible.