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 the Killeen Castle in Co 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.

Classic examples of the former are Mount Juliet in Co Kilkenny and The K-Club in Co Kildare. Mount Juliet, of course, was Jack Nicklaus's first design job in this country and to say he and his team did a good job is an understatement. From day one, it was a huge success and next September will house the American Express World Championship for the second time in three years.