Ireland is nearly 12,000 square miles smaller than my home state of Ohio. The beauty that this country holds cannot be measured. By traveling inland, one can find parkland style courses like those in Ohio. But traveling to the coasts one finds the links style golf Ireland is famous for.

County Louth Golf Club (Baltray), my work and home for the next few months

County Louth Golf Club (Baltray) is located on the East coast of Ireland. Established in 1892, the formation of Baltray began with the purchase of the land off a local farmer. It was so long ago but little did those members know that the land and course would be so timeless. It is classified as a true links course; defined as the link between the sea and agricultural land.

"Links" courses got their name from being the link between sea and farmland.

Why do people travel thousands of miles to play links courses? Their historic qualities and natural difficulties can only be found in this part of the world. At parkland courses golfers face trees as obstacles. But here in Ireland there are natural hills and sand dunes that challenge play.

This type of golf course would have to be designed and constructed in the U.S., whereas here on Irelands coast, this piece of land is completely natural. Experiencing the truly natural terrain is necessary for any golfer who embraces the beauty of this game.

This true links style course can offer a most enjoyable play to any handicap. On the other hand, it proposes championship difficulty to the worlds best golfers. It not only ranks top 10 in Ireland, but it consistently ranks among the top courses in the world.

I have been here just over a week but I have great appreciation for this special place that will be my work and home for the next few months. Perfectly described, County Louth Golf Club is the Hidden Gem of Irish Golf.