Holes to drive you demented

IT’S a daunting drive, whatever the elements. And the second doesn’t get any easier.

But anyone spooked by Ballybunion's treacherous 11th hole, a par 4, can take comfort in the fact they are not alone it is the 9th toughest hole in world golf, according to a new survey.

The Old Head's spectacular 12th, a par 5, is often regarded as the ultimate golfing thrill a drive over the cliffs to a sloping fairway and that's the eastern part, as the Atlantic eats into the fairway leading to a funnel-shaped green. It is regarded as the 18th toughest hole in world golf by Today's Golfer magazine. Which suggests the previous 17 must be real card-wreckers.