Munster courses dominate Top 100 list

Ranking lists always lead to vigorous debate but you can be sure Golf Digest Ireland’s “Volvo Top 100 Ranked Irish Golf Courses” will not be getting pride of place at Royal Dublin any time soon.

The venerable Dollymount links is one of the biggest losers in the 2013 list, which was drawn up by a panel chaired by former Fáilte Ireland chairman, Pádraig O’hUiginn, losing its top 20 status with a fall of five places, to 24th.

That leaves Royal Dublin one place behind near neighbours Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links — currently in NAMA — which rose eight places to 23rd, thanks to some major course improvements.