The Scots, of course, have one up on the rest of us when it comes to the history of golf - they founded the game. Yet, apart from our Celtic cousins, few other countries are as steeped in golf's tradition as Ireland.

Appropriately then, in the run-up to Christmas (yes, it's that time already), The Book Of Irish Golf is poised to hit our bookshelves. As you'd expect from a partnership of author John Redmond and publishers Gill & MacMillan, it is an impressive offering and fit to grace any coffee table.

Fortunately, it's not your typical golf book and doesn't just focus on the rich and famous. Rather, it is well researched and is a pleas- ant mix of history and charming stories, illustrated throughout by some excellent photography. In many ways, it captures the essence of what Irish golf is all about.

Apart from delving into the origins of golf in Ireland, Redmond also relates the stories behind the successes of some of Ireland's great golfers - and there are many - and provides detailed insights into some of the country's top courses, old and new alike.

One element of Irish golf which finds particular favour with visitors is the atmosphere of the 19th hole - and, in this regard, the author has come up with a number of entertaining clubhouse tales. Priced at £19.99 hardback, The Book Of Irish Golf will be on sale from tomorrow week.

In light of their Alfred Dunhill Cup win at St Andrews - and the fact that they're also the current World Cup champions - few can argue with South Africa's status in the sport.

Of course, there was a time when the country's golfing delights were "out-of-bounds". Not any more, and Litia Travel, in association with Eugene Magee Travel, have been to the fore in marketing South Africa as a golfing destination since the collapse of apartheid. Earlier this year, Christy O'Connor Snr led the group's first excursion there and he has signed up again for another offering from January 27th to February 13th. "Explore a world in one country," implore the organisers, and for £2,450 (per person sharing) they attempt to do just that with a trip that takes in Sun City, Cape Town and Durban with competitions organised at the country's top courses. Indeed, there is also the opportunity to earn an "international" cap as one of the special events is a match against members of Durban Country Club on a course that has played host to the South African Open. Enquiries to 01-628 2249 (Litia) or 01679 3811 (Magee Travel).