In a way, the staging of the Murphy's Irish Open at Ballybunion came a year too late. It would have been far more appropriate as a tailpiece to the last century in that it marked the end of an era.

At the 2005 Ryder Cup announcement last year, Ken Schofield, executive director of the PGA European Tour, made it clear that links courses could no longer be considered serious candidates for the biennial showpiece. The same can now be said of premier tournaments.

Ballybunion was a joy to behold, an absolute delight for non-prejudiced competitors and a triumph of local organisation. But the constraints imposed by its location were evident in the modest attendance, while the course was seen to best effect only for the pro-am and the final round.

When the professionals began to endure serious grief on the eve of the tournament, they screamed sufficiently loudly for tournament director David Probyn to respond. As a result, the greens were gradually slowed down to about 9.5 on the Stimpmeter, which is no more than moderate pace by tournament standards.

Probyn acknowledged, however, that putting surfaces were of such superb quality that they could have been made as quick as 12 on the Stimpmeter, if required. And that is seriously quick. But on the pretext that he feared high winds - which weren't in any meteorological calculations - he erred on the side of caution.

This was entirely predictable, given that Probyn is effectively employed by the players. That is why the situation is so different in major championships like the British Open and the US Open. These events are organised by the Royal and Ancient and USGA, autonomous bodies who will set up a course to their own specifications and brook no argument from competitors.

If either of these bodies was in charge of last weekend's tournament, it can be taken that Ballybunion, even at 6,651 yards, would have presented a vastly different challenge. As it was, competitors savoured its true worth, only in practice and on the final day. Which was a pity.

Incidentally, those who believe that it is necessary to have a course of more than 7,000 yards to give modern professionals a worthwhile challenge, should note that Royal Lytham and St Annes happens to measure 6,892 yards. And statistically, it is the most difficult venue on the British Open rota.

Meanwhile, the Irish Open returns to parkland terrain for the next two years with the staging at Fota Island. Given the significant upgrading of the Cork venue since it was purchased by Tim Mahony's Killeen Investments, it is likely to be a splendid success.

But even in its unusually becalmed state, Ballybunion gave us unique memories to cherish. It was good to have been there.