East Clare's hidden gem

THE use of the term "hidden gem" to describe an emerging golf course is more than a little overdone. But I will risk the wrath of the reader by placing Dr Arthur Spring's creation at Bodyke in Co Clare in that category.

Bodyke, or more formally, East Clare Golf Club, certainly is hidden. It can be found five miles from Lough Derg and 35 minutes from Shannon Airport, albeit with some difficulty but be sure to make the effort.

East Clare is in the news at the moment because it will stage the second Texaco-sponsored pro-am over the June Bank Holiday week-end. It is another sell-out success with just one team to be filled from a May 2 qualifier.