My favourite hole: Number nineAlbert Lee2nd Mullingar182 yards, par three"It's probably the perfect length for the average golfer in terms of being the outer distance at which most golfers can still retain some sort of accuracy. That is a quality that a golfer certainly needs for this hole.
"You play from an elevated tee to a plateau green that's well bunkered with trees behind.
"The green itself is relatively flat and if you can manage to hit it then there is a good chance of being able to two putt at worst. The difficulty though is actually hitting the green.
"The prevailing wind is usually over the right shoulder of the golfer (helping). There are woods on the left with the tall Ash trees behind the green and this provides the hole with a lovely setting.
"The golfer can't afford to err left and if you miss the green right then the there is a strong possibility that the ball will gather into the rough and you are faced with a difficult chip back.
In perfect calm conditions I would probably hit a three iron: the green is receptive enough. It's a great test early on in the round."
Albert Lee is in his final year as chairman of the Leinster Branch (GUI) and in 2004 will become the president of the Golfing Union of Ireland. He plays off a five handicap and is a long-standing member of Mullingar Golf Club.
