The History of Ireland's Oldest Golf Courses
Ireland is home to some of the oldest golf courses in the world, dating back to the 1800s. A few of the most prestigious and historical courses include Royal Portrush (1888), Royal County Down (1889), Lahinch (1892), and Ballybunion (1893). Keep reading for a little bit of history about these famous Irish golf courses...
Portstewart Strand
The Strand course statistics:
| Yardage | 7118 |
| Par | 72 |
Portstewart Strand golf course is located in Northern Ireland and was founded in 1894. The course was designed by Willie Park Jr. and has hosted numerous golf tournaments over the years. In 2017, the course hosted the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, which was won by Jon Rahm. The course is known for its stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and is a popular destination for golfers from around the world.
Ballybunion
Ballybunion Old Course statistics:
| Yardage | 6802 |
| Par | 71 |
Ballybunion Golf Club is located in County Kerry, Ireland and was founded in 1893. The course was designed by Tom Simpson and has been ranked as one of the top golf courses in the world. Its rugged terrain and challenging holes have attracted golfers from around the globe, including several professional tournaments. The club has a rich history and has undergone several renovations and improvements over the years to maintain its high standards.
Royal Portrush
Dunluce Links course statistics:
| Yardage | 7292 |
| Par | 71 |
Royal Portrush Golf Club is a 36-hole historic golf course located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Royal Portrush has two links courses, the Dunluce Links and the Valley Links. It was founded in 1888 as the County Club and later became known as the Royal County Club in 1892. In 1895, it was granted the Royal title by the Prince of Wales, becoming the Royal Portrush Golf Club. The course has hosted many prestigious golf events, including the Open Championship in 1951 and 2019, and the Irish Open. It is widely regarded as one of the most challenging and beautiful links courses in the world.
Lahinch Golf Club
Lahinch course statistics:
| Yardage | 6950 |
| Par | 72 |
| Designer | Alister MacKenzie |
Lahinch was founded in 1892 and is located in County Clare, Ireland. The course was redesigned in 1927 by the famous Dr. Alister MacKenzie. Lahinch Golf Club is known for its stunning natural beauty and challenging holes, such as the par-5 4th hole known as the "Klondyke". Over the years, the club has hosted numerous prestigious events, including the Irish Open and the South of Ireland Championship.
Royal County Down
Championship Links course statistics:
| Yardage | 7206 |
| Par | 71 |
| Designer | Old Tom Morris |
Annesley Links course statistics:
| Yardage | 4594 |
| Par | 67 |
Royal County Down is one of the oldest and most prestigious golf courses in Ireland. It was founded in 1889 and designed by Old Tom Morris. The course has hosted many prestigious tournaments, including the British Senior Open, the Walker Cup, and the Irish Open. It is famous for its stunning views of the Irish Sea and the Mourne Mountains. The course is located in Newcastle, County Down, Northern Ireland.
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