Photos of Ireland

On a day when I can't really come up with a subject to write about, I determined it would be more interesting to have a photo montage of my trip to Ireland last month. Here's some quick shots:

Standing on the shoulders of giants -- our group at Royal County Down.

(left) Proving golf writers can design: The wonderful third hole at the European Club, created with wonderful whimsy by Pat Ruddy.

(Below) The strange Island Club. A remarkable place to play golf, akin to Scotland's Crail.

Portmarnock's amazing par three 15th (below), which appears benign, is actually tough as nails. Here's a thought -- Portmarnock is Ireland's Carnoustie, discuss.

(Right) The underrated Castlerock in the north of Ireland sports several terrific tests of golf, including this long and difficult par three, which finishes the front nine.