A story told about the ready availability of the village butcher to oblige a visitor by presenting himself on the first tee at a moment's notice goes some way to explaining why Lahinch is widely regarded as the St Andrews of Ireland.

Legend has it that the grateful, though bemused visitor expressed the opinion that if the butcher was prepared to close shop at the prospect of a game of golf, he could hardly make himself much money. 'Maybe not, but he sure makes a lot of friends', was the reply, in a telling statement that underlines the sense of occasion at this hotbed of golf.

What strikes you most about the tiny seaside village amid the spectacular scenery of West Clare is that everyone is consciously aware of the historical importance of golf. The special atmosphere manifests itself as you stroll around meeting the local people, whether in their tweed and souvenir shops or in the pubs, playing their traditional music.

This special flavour is prevalent during big competition times, most notably during the traditional July staging of the South of Ireland Amateur Open Championship, the oldest of the provincial championships and in existence since 1895.