Ballymote Golf Club

Played this course at the end of what has clearly not been the best summer County Sligo has ever seen.

Was rather bemused initially to arrive at a deserted clubhouse/shack and carpark, but after putting my greenfees in an envelope and slipping it into a tin, I teed off on the uphill first hole.

As previous reviewers have commented, the 2nd and 7th are the stand-out holes on this course. The 2nd is a short par-3 with a green a very long way beneath the tee - the ball was in the air for an eternity before it finally came to earth - and the 7th is an inviting downhill short par-4 with an island green nestling on the shores of Ballinascarrow Lake.

In general the course is in good nick but was utterly saturated and I was basically playing winter golf in early September. I'd guess that it would need at least a month without rain to properly dry it out, which is unlikely in the west of Ireland.

Most of the holes have blind shots and it's very hilly, so take your walking boots. If you're lucky enough to be in the area during a prolonged spell of good weather then it would be a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. Should be nice and quiet too!