Green fees at leading Irish golf clubs have increased by as much as 100 per cent in the last two years, according to the figures for the coming season. Operators remain satisfied, however, that crucially favourable factors will contrive to keep the market buoyant.

In fact the continuing strength of the dollar and sterling against the punt has prompted the view that Irish golf remains moderately priced by international standards. But the indications are that a growing number of players here at home will be unable to keep pace with the prices.

"There is no question but that the domestic market is being adversely affected," said Paddy O'Looney, chief executive of South West Ireland Golf (SWING) yesterday. "But the attitude of the clubs has to be set against the prevailing market elsewhere in these islands."

The point is well made if one considers that the peakseason rate for a round on the West Course at Wentworth is Stg£190. And O'Looney went on to point out that a round at a leading Scottish links this year will cost between Stg£80 and Stg£90, with lunch an obligatory extra in most cases.

The American figures are equally revealing. A round at a leading Florida or Arizona resort will cost around $250, while the enthusiast will have to pay $375 for the privilege of playing Pebble Beach.

In this country, the most significant increase in greenfees over the last two years has taken place at the Old Head of Kinsale. From £50 weekdays and £60 at weekends, which left them sharing eighth in the pecking order in 1998, their prices have risen to £90 for any day in 1999 and to £120 this year.

And the market reaction? "The price increase has had absolutely no effect," said Old Head secretary/manager Jim O'Brien yesterday. "Our business comes mainly from the US and at the moment, we have firm bookings for 12,000 rounds out of a projected 30,000 rounds for the season."

The Old Head is one of the great success stories of Irish golf tourism in recent years. With the minimum amount of advertising, the club have succeeded in establishing a huge profile in the US, largely through word of mouth. Americans see it as a unique golfing experience and, as such, it has to be excellent value for money, even at £120, compared with their home market.

Another fascinating development is the inclusion of The Island at 11th in the list. From a modest position in the tourism market two years ago, the North Dublin club are set to cash in on significantly upgraded clubhouse facilities, a quality links by any standards and on their proximity to Dublin Airport and to other leading venues in the Portmarnock area.

Meanwhile, the sustained strength of sterling has moved leading Northern Ireland clubs up the price scale. For instance with a daily rate of Stg£70 rising to Stg£80 at the weekend, Royal Co Down and Royal Portrush have moved up to tied third in the list, ahead of leading southern brethren such as Portmarnock.

But the most surprising aspect of all is the continued moderation of the Kerry courses, which are the focus of the most tourist activity, certainly from the US. Despite the added prestige of staging the Irish Open this year, Ballybunion are charging a relatively modest £60 for a round on their Old Course.

Equally interesting in the fact that Killarney are pitching their fees at a highly attractive £43. This is possible through having three, high-quality courses, which makes it attractive for visitors to play two of them in the one day.

They say in Kerry that committed golfers are recession-proof, war-proof and waterproof. And with only the weather to worry about in these prosperous, peaceful times, the Irish golf market has never had it so good.