I just returned from a golf trip to Ireland. In 2002, I traveled the linksland of Scotland, and was certain nothing could ever top that experience.

I was wrong.

To be sure, Scotland has the history, with St. Andrews, Carnoustie, Turnberry, etc., etc. But Ireland isn’t short on history itself, boasting the likes of Ballybunion, Lahinch, and Royal Portrush.

But Ireland also lays claim to some of the best parkland courses in Europe, including the K Club.

Most importantly, however, is the atmosphere in Ireland. The Irish have long been dissed by their Scots and British neighbors, and not just for golf. Historically, the Irish have been stereotyped as apathetic, lazy, dullards. Years ago, I taught in Germany, and hung out with both Brits and Irish. One night after a long talk about poetry, religion, and politics with several Irish and Brits, a British friend confided in me that until that night, he had never met an Irish person. “I always thought they were stupid,” he admitted sheepishly.

This completely unfair view of the Irish might stem from their almost Mediterranean approach to life: late to bed, late to rise, quick to laugh, happy to sit and chat for hours with friends and strangers alike. Not at all the stereotypical characteristics of the Scots (though that is of course unfair, too).

You feel this different approach to life—and the game of golf—as you play in Ireland. Not once were we chided to take off our caps in the clubhouse, as we were in Scotland. Not once were golfers wearing shorts in the 85-degree heat sneered at. Not once were our handicap cards checked. Not once were we beaten out onto the course for an early tee time. In fact, finding golfers on the links earlier than 9 a.m. was rather rare, despite the 5:30 sunrise. The Scots, on the other hand, seemingly never leave the links.

In Hollywood, 40 is the new 20. In golf, Ireland is the new Scotland. The only down side to this is that prices—from green fees to lodging to food—are going up. Still not at Scotland prices, but getting there.

If you get a chance to travel to Ireland and Scotland to golf, do it. If you have to choose only one, I say pick the Emerald Isle.

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