Carton house, just 15 miles west of Dublin city center, is poised to become a renowned golfing destination. The 1,100-acre walled carton estate dates back to norman times, and a new luxury four-star hotel is being designed in harmony with the original ancient palace, Carton house. Carton house is not only in a lovely place, but it's also very affordable.

The more senior O'Meara course, which opened in 2002, and the Montgomerie course, which opened the next year, are the two schools. The O'Meara is more park-like, while the Montgomerie is more links-like. The championship tees extend out to a whopping 7,300 yards, giving it a striking sculptured shape.

Links-style courses may be smooth and featureless without wide distinguishing sand dunes. The Montgomerie course is defined by artificial undulations, swaying Fescue grass, and simple distinction between grass cuts, as well as the numerous deep pot bunkers. It has a sleek look and sound, but it's a straightforward and unpretentious driver's course that works well. There are no trademark holes; instead, there are a set of outstanding holes, with the par threes standing out.

Colin Montgomerie, clearly pleased with his work, said: "this is a one-of-a-kind project, and i am honored to be a part of it." It isn't actually a links course, but it plays and has all of the features of one. I wanted to build this course in the manner of a more conventional course. I studied the world's best courses – Royal Melbourne, Troon, and Turnberry – to figure out what makes them so unique. Bunkering is one thing that comes to mind. They are dangerous, and they work with the wind. Few holes run directly up and down the sky, but most run around it, bringing bunkering into play. This is the sort of course where the best players will still triumph.