Personal Paradises

Our favorite golfers name the destinations they cherish the most, from England to Michigan to Indonesia.

Doonbeg Golf Club in Co. Clare, Ireland, truly inspires me on every visit. One of my many enduring memories is having a hearty Irish breakfast in the dining room which overlooks the eighteenth green and the Atlantic Ocean, mesmerized by the white caps of the waves rolling in. The links course, set along 1.5 miles of crescent-shaped beach and dunes, is my special paradise. The course was designed with a "least disturbance" philosophy so the natural beauty prevails. In fact, 14 of Doonbeg's greens and 12 of the fairways were simply "mowed" when originally designed by Greg Norman.

I could not agree more with Norman when he said that "nothing on this earth compares to Doonbeg." The combination of the high dunes, the tall fescue and breathtaking views on every hole make this one of the most beautiful spots in the world. There are five sets of tees on each hole and the course is very accommodating to women. Couple the unsurpassed beauty of the area with the charm of the small village of Doonbeg where the locals make you feel so welcome and you won't want to leave! A trip to Doonbeg is not complete until you spend time talking to the locals and experiencing the music at pubs such as Comerfords, Tubridy's Bar & Restaurant and Morrissey's Seafood Bar & Grill.

Doonbeg now has a five-star lodge with two restaurants (Tom Colicchio is the consulting chef) and a Clodagh-designed spa that sits high on a bluff overlooking the course and the beach. The lodge is quite luxurious. If you prefer the bed and breakfast experience, Connie and Francie at An Tintean will take care of you. And Tony at Links Lodge will provide unparalleled Irish hospitality. Tell them I sent you!