Making them deserving winners of the prestige International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) 'European Golf Destination of the Year 2011' award at a ceremony held in Valencia, Spain in late 2010. The entry fee of Euro 125 offered a huge discount on the normal cost of playing on these pristine fairways and attracted teams from across the globe.

The three day festival offered links golfers an opportunity to play on three of the least played top class courses in Ireland. Those who have been lucky enough to visit the North West, are aware that the appeal of the area lies not only in the quality golf product, but in the value & quality of the complete package - first class accommodation, restaurants, lively bars, stunning scenery, value for money, and genuine hospitality.

Given the unique product that is links golf, the West and North West of Ireland is the ideal destination for today's golf enthusiast, offering a world class, value for money destination.

David O?Donovan Manager of County Sligo Golf Club said 'We offered a huge prize fund of Euro 2,500 and had many generous sponsors across the Northwest. This competition offered 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 and we were blessed that the weather played its part. 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 Spain to USA to Bantry took part in this year's inaugural event'.

The positive feedback is currently rushing in and Ben O?Dea of Cork said 'Just want to express our thanks for the great event you organized. It was run very well. We went out on time each day which is an achievement in itself. Three great courses and of course you had the weather pre-arranged to be perfect. We were playing in front of the current Captain PJ McHale of Carne and met him a few times over the three days. Seems like a great bloke and an excellent Ambassador for all the courses. We must look out for next year; I think we may have more than one group'.

2012 dates have been set and we are gearing up for 2, 3, 4 July, 2012.

We are delighted that a local team from Carne - namely the Gaughans took 1st prize with a whopping 332 points followed closely by the O?Grady Team from Thurles G.C with 310 points for the 3 day event.

All three courses are along a spectacular Atlantic drive: starting in Rosses Point on a spectacular peninsula on the outskirts of Sligo town; meandering along a picturesque network of hedgerows lanes and the infamous North Coast drive to the surfing village, which is home of Enniscrone Golf Club; the final destination is the most westerly golf course in Ireland at Carne located just outside the bustling seaside town of Belmullet in Co Mayo.

Contact details: David O' Donovan

Director of Golf, Co. Sligo Golf Club, Rosses Point,

Co. Sligo. Work Mobile: 0860223377email: david@countysligogolfclub.ie

The Atlantic Coast Challenge is a joint venture between the 3 clubs of Carne/Enniscrone & County Sligo Golf Club. The 3 clubs came together to promote a new event that in its first year has proved its worth and provided a well needed boast to the local tourism and hotel sector in the Northwest. The event alone has attracted teams from Spain/UK/France/USA & Ireland and will firmly be placed on the golfing yearly calendar.