'From the Greens' | Ashford Castle

Located in the heart of some of Ireland's finest golf country, Ashford Castle possesses its own nine-hole course that should not be overlooked. The castle-hotel, located in a 350-acre woodland park on the shores of Lough Corrib, was designed by luminary Eddie Hackett and is a longtime fixture at the classic property. From memorable sing-songs at The Prince of Wales Bar with the likes of Bob Hope to a handful of notable pro-ams, the imaginative course holds a special history.

When asked to share a favorite feature from their nine-hole course, Ashford Castle pointed to American golfer and castle-guest Tom Watson's first stay at the property. En route to the 1983 British Open, Watson played a practice round on the course. On the third hole – a 381-yard Par-4 – he hit a fantastic drive to land the ball 10 feet from the pin, which he duly sunk for an Eagle-2. To this day, a plaque commemorating Watson's incredible Eagle hangs at the third tee. Watson has frequented the castle over the past few decades and always notes the spectacular view from the ninth tee, saying it is one of his favorite Par-3s he has ever played.