DUBLIN - My long held suspicions are now confirmed after a recent trip to Northwest Ireland — it’s my favourite golf destination in the world. The judgment isn’t made lightly as I’ve played the ancient game in 50 or so countries, including 22 different lands during a year of roaming with clubs in tow for my book Around the World in 80 Rounds.

LISBON - Portugal’s Algarve region is one of the best-known and best-respected European golf destinations – its world-class courses would not look out of place in any country.

ST. ANDREWS, SCOTLAND - I’ll never forget my first experience of combining castles with golf while on vacation.

LAHINCH, IRELAND - Anyone who has been fortunate enough to play golf in Ireland will tell you the experience “takes your breathe away.”

PARIS - Each year I’m asked the same question: “Why are you going to Europe again to play vacation golf when there are so many great courses here in North America you haven’t yet played?”

MAYBOLE, SCOTLAND - Balmoral Castle. Edinburgh Castle. They are the names most people recognize when it comes to Scottish castles. Both made famous by the kings and queens who occupied them. However, there is one castle in Scotland that is best known because of the American who lived there.

ST. ANDREWS, SCOTLAND - The great Bobby Jones once said: "A golfer can not be considered a true champion unless he has won at St. Andrews."

ST. ANDREWS, SCOTLAND - Most people are attracted to this ancient city for one reason - golf. But there are at least 18 other reasons why people should come to St. Andrews, and most have little to do with the game that has been played here for more than 600 years.