Ireland finished second to Italy in the World Cup of Golf, held at Misson Hill’s in Southern China. Ireland had dominated up until the final day where Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell were unable to finish off the job – but congratulations to  both for showing such a fine display. The Molinari brothers took the spoils for Italy with Sweden joining Ireland in second place. Check out the full leaderboard here It’s McIlroy and McDowell’s first time pairing up at this tournament, in previous years it was usually the reliable Harrington and McGinley, in fact Ireland won this event most recently in 1997. There is no doubt that Irish golf is on the up and McIlroy is spearheading the charge – the young man from Hollywood has taken to his professional career with gusto and last week finished second in the Harry Vardon (European Order of Merit)Tropy to Lee Westwood. His recent announcement that he is to take membership of the PGA tour is exciting and US audiences can expect to see more of this prestigious talent. A recent question was put to Rory about his favourite golf course in Northern Ireland – he choose Ardglass and I couldn’t disagree. If ever there was a course that deserved the title of “hidden gem” it’s Ardglass. It would be a worthy addition to your golf trip to Ireland and most people would combine Royal County Down into their schedule too.