1st Hole (normally 6th) 382 yards Par 4

A classic links hole, this relatively short Par 4 doglegs out to sea. The old clubhouse used to adjoin this fairway which is rather unusual in that it doesn't have any bunkers. The absence of sand doesn't take away from its charm, or its capacity to bite. From a player's point of view, the premium is on an accurate drive - and accuracy is the word most relevant to the Old Course - which, if safely negotiated, will leave just a short iron (possibly even a wedge) for the approach. There is a narrow entrance to the long plateau green which typifies the special appeal of Ballybunion: the challenge is to be straight, but the long greens provide some latitude in terms of club selection.

6th Hole (normally 11th) 451 yards Par 4

Probably one of the most photographed vistas in world golf. The high, elevated tee-box offers an intimidating sight to the player with the Atlantic Ocean crashing in from the right - and the possibility of spray dousing the players - and the drive must be placed left-of-centre to set up the ideal approach shot. The tiered fairway (with the sea all down the righthand side) disappears into a chasm and, for his second shot, the player will face a long iron shot into a green surrounded by high dunes with no room for error either right or left. "It's one of the toughest holes in the world," remarked Tom Watson. Indeed, it is one of the most famous in golf and rightly considered one of the great two shot holes anywhere. Particularly if the wind blows, it will break many a heart over the next few days.

10th Hole (normally 15th) 212 yards Par 3

As imposing "short" holes go, this one takes some beating. Apart from the distance - which depending on the strength of the wind will demand a one or two-iron, or possibly more - the difficulty facing the player is actually finding the putting surface. The two-tiered green is surrounded by bunkers and mounds - and there is a high penalty to pay for anyone who comes up short. When Watson first played the hole back in 1981, he opted to use a one-iron off the tee. And when Jack Nicklaus got his first taste of Ballybunion, he also nominated a one-iron and also managed to find the green. Afterwards he was presented with an oil painting by local artist Anne O'Hara of the hole. While this is will be a severe test for the players, it also promises to be one of the more exciting for the spectators.