Druids Heath

Druids Heath is the second course at the Druids Glen resort in County Wicklow, designed by the Irish architect Pat Ruddy. It feels more natural and open than its neighbour: a heathland layout with a mix of links and parkland features, firm rolling fairways, elevated greens and wide views of the Irish Sea, the Wicklow Mountains and the Sugarloaf.

The wind often plays a big part, so every round becomes a strategic test. Ruddy used the ground cleverly, with natural rock quarries, lakes, streams, gorse and pot bunkers, and the result is varied and lively golf. Highlights include the 2nd, a risk and reward par 5 with water guarding the green, the 12th, stroke index 1 and one of the great par 4s in Irish golf, and the 14th, the quarry hole, a very special par 3.

This is a course where you need to think about every shot, and it will appeal to players who enjoy a technical challenge in a big, authentic landscape. It hosted the Irish PGA Championship in 2006, and players such as Retief Goosen, Sergio Garcia, Darren Clarke and Ian Poulter have played here.