Northern Ireland has a population of only about 1.6 million, somewhere in the same range as Nebraska, but currently has 4 players in the World Ranking Top 100 (Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell, Darren Clarke, Gareth Maybin).
Yesterday, Michael Hoey won the Portuguese Open and is currently at 148, so is probably going to come in to the 100 as well.
Not a bad performance from a small place!
Full Version: Northern Ireland Golfers
I'm guessing that golfers growing up in N. Ireland with access - at least some of the time - to great links courses like Ryl portrush, Ryl co. down and Portstewart can't hurt their chances of developing a world class game.
QUOTE (parpar41 @ Apr 6 2009, 01:32 PM) 
I'm guessing that golfers growing up in N. Ireland with access - at least some of the time - to great links courses like Ryl portrush, Ryl co. down and Portstewart can't hurt their chances of developing a world class game.
Sure, all of those welcome visitors and there are a bunch of other great courses in NI or not far across the border.
RCD is my personal favourite.
Played those three (Royal Portrush, Royal County Down and Portstewart) and they were all great. Well worth a visit and will live long in the memory.
A hidden gem that is well worth playing if in Northern Ireland is just along the coast from Royal County Down and goes by the name of Ardglass.
If you cross the border County Louth is another fabulous course.
received a great welcome at all the above courses when I visited.
A hidden gem that is well worth playing if in Northern Ireland is just along the coast from Royal County Down and goes by the name of Ardglass.
If you cross the border County Louth is another fabulous course.
received a great welcome at all the above courses when I visited.
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