Irish courses get US seal of approval over Scottish counterparts

Though the Americans have some quaint notions about this country, we shouldn't complain. Generally speaking, they are very favourably disposed to our fair isle, especially in golfing matters where the dollar has done wonders for local economies.

So, when comparisons are made between golf in Scotland and Ireland, as in the current issue of Golf magazine, we can ignore that the listed number of clubs here is only 368, when it should be 397. And that the Old Head GC is actually in Co Cork, not in neighbouring Kerry. Such details are of no real consequence from a commercial standpoint.

What is significant, however, is the magazine's conclusion that Ireland's top five courses, Royal Co Down, Ballybunion, Royal Portrush, Portmarnock and Lahinch, "may be better than Scotland's top five" - St Andrews (Old Course), Muirfield, Royal Dornoch, Turnberry and Carnoustie. Apparently in Scotland, the visitor is more likely to be paired with a fellow American.

J M Barrie once observed "there are a few more impressive sights in the world than a Scotsman on the make". In the event, Golf also calculates that Irish golf is cheaper, with green fees on our top five courses totalling $494 compared with $563 in Scotland. And they reckon a five-day golfing trip in Ireland (B and B, golf and rented car) would cost $2,254, compared with $3,074 in Scotland.

And when the game is over? In Ireland you can "Nurse a pint of Guinness, aka 'mother's milk'. Better yet, do what the locals do and order a Smithwick's ale with a Guinness head. While in Scotland, you can "Down a dram of Scotch whisky. True enthusiasts go for the single malts."

Under the heading "Don't ask about ..." the visitor to Ireland should avoid "religion, driving directions, the weather", and in Scotland "Mulligans, mad cow disease, the weather". The biggest criticism of Irish golf courses is that they are too far apart, while the roads "are more fit for sheep than cars". The Scottish bogey? "You have to get lucky (through lotteries), or bunk in specific hotels to play the best tracks." If the weather in Ireland happens to be too hostile for golf, the recommendation is to go "pubbing" in our capital city. This, according to Joe O'Connor in Cowboys and Indians, is "the kind of life that American academics think real Dubliners lead", so why should their golfers be any different.

As for Scotland, there is always a tour of the Royal Burgh of St Andrews, making sure to see its ancient cathedral, the castle and the British Golf Museum. And whatever about the Dublin pub scene, I can strongly recommend the St Andrews experience. There, I would have to suggest, the Scots most definitely have the edge, especially in such hostelries as the Jigger Inn or Dungevan Hotel Bar, where there is always the chance of a lively chat with the Old Course caddies.

n "I tell 16-year-olds now that they had better be able to hit it 320 yards when they come on tour, otherwise they won't be able to compete." Nick Price, on the extent to which modern technology is changing the game.