Carne Golf Links in Belmullet, County Mayo is one of the host courses for the Atlantic Coast ChallengeEveryone knows Ireland’s big links courses. Royal County Down, Royal Portrush, Portmarnock, Ballybunion and Waterville are on every golfer’s bucket list. But there are three gems in the north-west that offer an unforgettable golfing experience - Carne Golf Links, Enniscrone and County Sligo.

From July 1-3 this year this trio of west coast links will host the third Atlantic Coast Challenge. With a prize fund of €2,500, the three day festival offers golfers an opportunity to play on three of the least played top class courses in Ireland for an entry fee of €135.

David O’Donovan, manager of County Sligo Golf Club, said: “We are offering a huge prize fund of €2,500 and have many generous sponsors across the Northwest. This competition offers the avid golfer a chance to experience three of the best links courses in Europe during the height of summer, when theses courses are at their very best.

“We are lucky that the local communities surrounding our courses offer true Irish hospitality and a top quality real experience and we are delighted that close to 100 teams from as far away as Spain and the USA took part in 2012 and we expect a bigger turnout in 2013.”

For more details, contact David O’Donovan at Co. Sligo Golf Club, Rosses Point. Mobile: (+353) 86 022 3377. Email: david@countysligogolfclub.ie