That was the advice given to present Irish rugby captain Brian O'Driscoll by the junior convenor at The Royal Dublin many years ago and how right he was.

But O'Driscoll was quite happy about the progress of his sporting career as he joined Christy O'Connor Sr to cut the tape and open the wonderfully extended clubhouse at Dollymount last Sunday.

"My game isn't the best right now, " he confessed, "but I hope to get more time for it soon and, maybe, play to my nine handicap once more."

O'Connor was in quotable quote mood too when heaping praise on the many new design features recently introduced to the club's historic old links.

"In my early days here I was asked to advise on some changes to the links and I was particularly delighted when I introduced a new back-tee at the 10th.

"Then I was accused of building it to suit my own game. But it all worked out grand when a committee member playing against me for a few bob hit the green in two and made the putt for a birdie."

The same type of criticism faces Jack Nicklaus today.

No matter how lovely his courses are, there is a chorus of misguided critics accusing him of favouring the left-toright shot which was his main stock in trade. Times move on but people obviously don't.

Christy is, of course, one of the kings of Dollymount and he nearly brought an adoring gathering to their knees when, with his back to a picture perfect view of the links and Howth Head, he pointed at the new bar and said "Isn't that a grand bar, a very pretty sight! " Club captain Brendan Cole explained that the entire upstairs function area has been elevated by about four feet so that the view of the links is enhanced.

The club have also gained a clear view of Dublin Bay with all the shipping going by.

A very lovely picture it is too, if you can manage to keep your eyes off the display of club silver organised by brothers Larry and Kerry Gunning.

In all respects, The Royal Dublin has reaffirmed its position amongst the leading pack of golf clubs worldwide and nobody can beat them for a spectacular view from the bar . . . or a supreme game of golf.