The International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) gathers once a year for their annual convention. These are the elite of international golf tourism - the top executives of leading golf travel companies, hotels and resorts, golf clubs, tourist boards and members of the highly regarded Golf Travel Writers Association.

One of the highlights of the gathering is the golf travel awards ceremony. The top award goes to the golf destination considered by the voting members to have done the best job during the past 12 months of providing visitors with the finest golf experience. Among other factors, consideration is given to the quality and variety of golf courses, the level of service and value for money.

Ireland took the award as Best Established Golf Destination. The quality of Irish golf is beyond dispute and in global rankings bests most countries.

Of the world's 12 top ranked courses, three are to be found in Ireland: Ballybunion, Royal Portrush and Royal County Down. The United States holds the top position with six courses in the ranking, Scotland is third with two courses and Australia is fourth with one course.

But it's the overall high quality of Irish golf that really impresses the visitor. It's not a question of a mere handful of world-ranked layouts, but the consistently outstanding calibre of the more than 300 courses that exist in this small country. From the well established links courses that form an unbroken necklace along the entirety of Ireland's coastline to wondrous inland layouts such as Mount Juliet, and The K Club, venue for the 2006 Ryder Cup.

But a truly enjoyable golf experience consists of more than wonderful golf and it is in the hospitality department where the Irish really excel. Irish hospitality is legendary, and there is no other country able to match the genuine warmth and welcoming personality that the Irish are blessed with.

In terms of accommodation and dining, the highest standards can be found from Irelands castle hotels and luxurious country-houses, to more modest inns and simple bed-and-breakfasts.