In recent times, Northern Ireland seems to have had a distinct knack of producing Major Championship winners and, judging by the standard of golf courses I was treated to, you can see exactly why.

When I initially thought of golf in Northern Ireland, I assumed I would be playing some testing links courses.

However, this did not prove to be the case as we were treated to playing in the Pro-Am for the 2015 Northern Irish Open, a European Challenge Tour event at Galgorm Castle, Ballymena.

This was a pleasantly surprising test set among 220 acres of mature parkland, mixed in with an attractive amount of water.

For me, a highlight included the testing fourth hole named “The Niuc”.

With water hazards on the right from the tee leading around to set up a tricky approach, the hole typified the need to plot your way around Galgorm, measuring just 318 yards from the championship tees.

This shorter, variant challenge continued when we stepped on to the seventh. A par-three measuring just 152 yards with a sculpted green and approach area.

The professional we were teamed up with was Lancashire’s Jack Senior, who memorably beat Jordan Speith in the 2011 US Amateur Championship.

Galgorm’s lady captain Noreen Ritchie said: “It’s getting better and better as it gets known by everybody and is becoming a very big event.”

We also got the chance to watch Seniors in first round action the following day at Galgorm, including, Peter Lawrie and Nick Dougherty before heading to Dungannon.

One of Ireland’s oldest clubs, it opened as a nine-hole course in 1890. What impressed me most about this course, one of the original founder clubs of the Golfing Union of Ireland, was the variety in the short holes throughout the card.

The signature hole at the ninth – named the “Darren Clarke” after Dungannon’s former member and now honorary life member – stands out with its drop in elevation from 153 yards off the white tees and an attractive water hazard lining the approach to the crescent shaped green.

A lengthier challenge comes on the parthree 11th, a hole which requires a high Dan Rose explores Northern Ireland’s golfing hotspots draw to a back left pin position, with its surrounding bunkers and trees.

Then, love it or hate it at just 89 yards, the final par-three at the 16th proves just why distance is not the only form of defence at Dungannon.

Striking up a sharp incline, an evil greenside trap on the left awaits. Shots that finish past the hole are likely to be left with a slippery downhill putt.

The final setting was the scheduled home of the Irish Open in 2017, the Faldo Course at the five-star Lough Erne resort, and what a treat it was.

Designed by six-time Major winner Sir Nick Faldo and opened in 2009, the views of Castle Hulme Lough and its surroundings are breathtaking, not to mention the standards of service and upkeep of the establishment.

“A great place to play, a great place to stay,” is what superstar Rory McIlroy said about the facility.

He also teed it up to beat Padraig Harrington in the “Duel on the Lough” in a memorable occasion for the resort six years ago.

Speaking about the course, director of golf and head professional Lynn McCool said: “The design that Sir Nick Faldo has done is 18 amazing consecutive holes.

“For this golf course to be aired across the world, it is going to do tremendous things for golf in Northern Ireland.

“It is a place where you have to really see it to believe it.”

Views of this special course that I will never forget include the approach to the par-four 10th hole, a magical 351-yard challenge with a green which extends right into the Lough.

“On number 10, standing on that green is just such a wonderful feeling,” McCool added.

And part of the “Faldo Turn” for home at the 16th shows an incredible view of the resort in the distance behind a bunkered green at the climax of the 545 yard par-five.

Anyone looking to touch down in Fermanagh for the Irish Open in 2017, as either a player or spectator, will experience a week they will never forget.

FACTFILE

• Galgorm Castle Green Fees 2015. Monday to Friday £50. Saturday to Sunday £60. (Buggy Hire £25, Club Hire £20, Trolley Hire £3, Caddy £40). If you are unable to play your round of golf at Galgorm due to the course being closed (eg, bad weather), you will receive a full refund of your green fee.

• Standard Green Fees at Dungannon Golf Club. Weekdays: £20 per round. Weekends: £25 per round.

• For more information or to book your Corporate Golf Event or Golf Day at the Lough Erne Resort, contact the golf shop on T +44(0)28 6634 5766 or golf@ lougherneresort.com.