MOUNT JULIET GOLF CLUB, THOMASTOWN, CO. KILKENNY.

DESIGNER: Jack Nicklaus

YARDAGE: 7,100 yards

PAR: 72

SSS: 74

An exciting new era dawned in Ireland when Jack Nicklaus came to create the Mount Juliet Golf Course at lovely Thomastown, in County Kilkenny. The air of expectancy was all the greater as it was his first such architectural undertaking in the country.

By highest standards, the layout meets all the promises made by Nicklaus when he first explored the rich pasture lands and exclaimed, "I think Mount Juliet gets high marks ... it's just a beautiful piece of property on which to build a golf course." Although only opened in July 1991, this 18 hole course has been voted the best inland course in Ireland, and played host to the Carroll's Irish Open in 1993 and the Murphy's in 1994 and '95. It was also the venue for the Shell Wonderful World of Golf challenge between Tom Watson and Fred Couples in 1997.

Set close by the River Nore, water comes into play on six holes, the beauty of woodland and trees is ever present, while some eight very vigilant bunkers, strategically placed throughout the course, place a premium on accuracy from tee to green. “Mount Juliet is such a magnificent setting for a golf course; I feel proud of the layout and my work here." - Jack Nicklaus