County Louth at Baltray is one of Ireland’s most respected championship links – a course that reveals its quality through nuance rather than spectacle. Set beside the River Boyne estuary, it occupies gently rumpled linksland where natural movement, firm turf and intelligent design create a searching test.

Originally laid out by Tom Simpson and later refined by Molly Gourlay, the course flows seamlessly through dunes and low-lying links terrain. Nothing feels forced. Fairways ripple naturally, bunkers sit exactly where they need to, and greens are beautifully judged – subtle in contour yet exacting in their demands.

Baltray is a strategist’s course. It rarely overwhelms visually, but it steadily applies pressure. Angles into greens matter, and the best players quickly realise that placement off the tee dictates scoring chances. When the wind freshens, the course gains real championship teeth.

It is a purist’s links – understated, authentic and deeply rewarding.