Kerry gold: The best 18 holes the Kingdom has to offer

The third county in the best-18-hole listing is the exceptional Co Kerry. With 15 courses — three of which are regularly listed among the world’s best — Kerry is spoilt for choice. So much so that, in this elite company, several of the smaller clubs don’t get a look in. Which is why a silver medal 18 holes are also provided. Measurements are as the clubs provided them.

1 Ballybunion (Old), par four 6th, 383/371/314 (L) yards.

A hole that may not register on the radar of many golfers for two reasons: the mobile homes beside the fairway; and you are not yet in the big dunes.