SITTING cosily in the Blaney bar overlooking the picturesque Castle Hume Lough, with a comforting pint of Guinness, it was hard not to feel smug.

For not only had I just played on one of the finest up and coming golf courses in the world, I had done it with the full blessing of my girlfriend – a rare treat indeed.

Usually a trip out onto the fairways requires a certain amount of diplomacy in advance, but the beauty of a visit to Lough Erne Golf Resort is that all the sweet talking is done for you.

As well as the eagerly anticipated Faldo Course, opening in July 2009, the resort boasts an authentic Thai spa, top quality fishing and walking, plus stunning food produced by Noel McMeel of TV's Great British Menu fame.

When you take all that into account it's a surprise I wasn't sent back out onto the course so she could relax in peace.

The five star resort is located just outside Enniskillen in Northern Ireland in County Fermanagh, about 1hr 45min drive from Belfast.

Panoramic views

Its inspiration and centre-piece is the stunning Faldo Course. When I visited the track wasn't complete, but the golf team were forthright in their ambition to become a top 100 world club.

The course's great strength lies in its variety. The first four holes wend their way through towering pine trees before the course opens out to offer panoramic views of Castle Hume Lough and Lower Lough Erne.

It is hard to pick a signature hole, but the 10th offers stunning views up Lough Erne and the final three holes running back along Castle Hume Lough are a treat.

The superb layout – they are aiming to eclipse Scotland's Loch Lomond in terms of visual appeal – is supported by state-of-the-art drainage that ensures the course always remains playable.

On top of the Faldo Course, Castle Hume Golf Course lies just a few hundred yards down the road. It is a fine parkland course and definitely worth a round, even if it can't compete with its newer, bigger brother.

But, like I was saying, Lough Erne Golf Resort isn't just about golf. You can follow a walking trail around the course that takes in magnificent views, or venture further a field to discover the Crom estate or various historic castles dotted around Fermanagh.

Fine cuisine

Castle Hume Lough and Lough Erne offer fantastic fishing, and if you're new to the sport you can book a lesson with the resident Master Casting instructor – one of just 140 in the world – through the hotel. After a couple of hours of tuition you'll be able to tickle a trout behind the gills from 20 paces and if you fish out a good one the restaurant will cook it for your tea.

If you fail to manage that there's no need to worry. The marvellously named McMeel has put on a comprehensive dining arrangement to cater for all tastes.

In the hotel bar – the Blaney Bar – there is a grazing menu where small portions of fine cuisine are served. Think of it as French tapas where you might try a four oz fillet steak with chips, a salad nicoise or a fillet of salmon on a bed of asparagus.

The charming Catalina restaurant offers a full menu and the quality of food is excellent. The signature dish is a mixed grill, comprising of the finest cuts of pork, lamb and steak, along with a poached egg and thick cut chips.

If you fancy venturing out into Enniskillen there a number of lively bars and restaurants to try. The William Blake pub is the oldest and best, where great Guinness, craic and traditional live music can be found.

There is no doubt that the troubles in Northern Ireland have stopped people visiting this part of the world for many years. But with new found tranquillity, and now a world class golf resort, that could be about to change.

Accommodation
Lakeview double from £130 per night per room
Lakeside Lodges are priced from £260 per night for a two-bedroom property (sleeps four people), and from £390 per night for a three-bedroom property.
Golf Green Fees
Rack rate Green Fee for High season (July to September 2009) - £95 per person
Spa treatment
Signature treatments in The Thai Spa from £39
Fly fishing
Half day fly fishing with resident Ghillie, Patrick Trotter, from £85.00
Fully day fly fishing with resident Ghillie, Patrick Trotter, from £145.00
The Catalina Restaurant
Three course dinner from £39.50
www.holidayautos.co.uk