How many more golf courses can Ireland take?

THE news that Jack Nicklaus is set to design his second course in Ireland — on the grounds of Killeen Castle in County Meath — has renewed the debate on just how many more new multi-million euro complexes this country can take.

Because they cost so much money to build and develop, these luxurious venues are going to have to charge very steep green fees if the original investment is ever to be recouped.

Over the past 15 years or so quite a large number have been successful in this respect, but several others have, at best, struggled to make ends meet.