The Island golf club should be considered one of the top 5 courses in Ireland, yet does not hold the title for reasons we cannot comprehend. The sprawling layout orchestrated by Fred Hawtree and Eddie Hackett show the teeth of a true links course pushing each player to test each arrow in the quiver. The creative design display the infamous Hawtree’s refined taste has hosted many major tournaments including the 1999 Irish PGA Championship. If Darren Clarke considers it to be one of the best links courses in the region, then it is worth including in your Irish rotation.