My Favourite Hole: ... Number 16 John Treacy Waterford Par-four 18th, 404 yards. "The view from the 18th tee box is absolutely gorgeous. From that vantage point you can see Waterford City, Wexford and Kilkenny; it's very scenic. Although it is not a particularly long par four, it's been a bit of a card-wrecker.

"The tee-shot is a tight, downhill drive, with furze bushes on both sides of the fairway, and that produces a funnel effect when you are standing on the tee.

"If you miss the fairway then you are in serious trouble and it makes finding the green very difficult.

"The second shot again places a premium on accuracy. There are three bunkers guarding the green, two on the right and one on the left, that capture a slight push or pull. The green itself is fair, not hugely contoured, so if you make it with your second shot, there is a chance of a birdie.

"Not that I have had one, par is my best score here. In reasonable conditions I would generally hit a three-wood and a five- or six-iron. I've been playing for about five years, at the instigation of a friend, who just before I quit running got me a good set of irons for about $800."

John Treacy is a member of Slade Valley, Dungarvan, Gold Coast, West Waterford, Waterford and Grange Golf Clubs: his 19 handicap is out of Slade Valley. Twice the World Cross Country champion, he also won a silver medal in the marathon at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. He is the chief executive of the Irish Sports Council.