Des Smyth, the popular Irish professional, designed Limerick County Golf Club, which lies 8km from the city of Limerick. The parkland course has been built to USGA standards and has earned rave reviews since it opened in 1994. Water comes into play at several holes and the test of this championship course is reflected by the fact it has a par of 72 and, perhaps even more telling, a Standard Scratch Score of 74! As befits a top modern-day golf facility, Limerick County has a fully-equipped Golf Academy with driving range, practice holes, putting greens and video analysis. There are no restrictions when it comes to visitors.