A timeless Irish links - Golf

Chief Executive, The, June, 2003 by Eamon Lynch

Some visitors have grumbled about poor conditioning of the course--hardly surprising, given its recent vintage. However, this is further evidence of the high expectations Doonbeg is raising. The routing of the holes, meanwhile, will confuse those accustomed to runway-style resort courses designed more for carts than character To reach the 18th tee, for example, you must forge a path across the first fairway. Here, a caddie takes on the status of a sherpa; at 35 euros ($38) plus tip, he's a sound investment.

A few quibbles aside, Doonbeg is receiving wide acclaim. Eric Jonke, a senior vice president at IMG, a major sports management firm (which once represented Norman), believes the club could one day host the Ryder Cup, the biennial matches between the top professionals from the United States and Europe. "This course is perfect for match play," says Jonke, who was instrumental in bringing the collegiate Palmer Cup to Doonbeg just a week after the club opened in July 2002.

Despite some well-publicized teething problems--including environmental concerns about a rare snail colony on the property, which delayed construction--it seems likely that Doonbeg will mature into greatness and become part of that celebrated pilgrimage along the sinuous N67 coastal road that connects Ballybunion and Lahinch. That Doonbeg is even mentioned in the same breath as those high altars of golf is testament enough.