Golf in Dublin and the South

Portmarnock Golf Club. Surrounded on three sides by water with no two successive holes going in the same direction, this historic course opened in 1894 and stretches 7,150 yards. In its early days this great course could only be reached by boat, as there was no road. The bell which signaled the last boat of the day still hangs at the caddie master's pavilion near the first tee. The course has several extraordinary holes. The 14th was regarded by Henry Cotton as the best hole in golf. The 15th has been described by Arnold Palmer as the best par 3 in the world. Notable is the absence of humanity. You will enjoy the great views, open spaces, and distant scenery. It now has 27 holes but tee times on weekends are difficult and should be avoided. Coat and tie required for clubhouse although not in the small bar.

Portmarnock Links. A new course just across the bay from Portmarnock, adjacent to Portmarnock Hotel, a fine hotel. The course was designed by Bernard Langer, and is more difficult than it looks. It has the appearance of a course several hundred years old, carved out of the sand hills. Lots of bunkers.

Royal Dublin. Located only minutes from the center of Dublin on an island in Dublin Bay, it was founded in 1885 and is the oldest club in the Republic of Ireland. Principal designer was Harry Colt (after being used in World War I as a rifle range and training center), it demands accurate driving on its relatively flat surface. It has hosted several Irish Opens. Avoid weekends.

Kildare Country Club. Known as the K Club, this is the site for the Ryder Cup in 2002 and has hosted the European Open for several years. Designed by Arnold Palmer, the River Liffey comes into play on nearly every hole. Not in the traditional links style, this is a magnificent golf course nonetheless.

European Club. Located 40 minutes south of Dublin in County Wicklow lies this new course which opened in 1993. Imagine, a new links course that rates right up there with many of the old and famous.

Druid's Glen. Another new course opened in 1995, located inland near the village of Kilcoole. The 13th hole is worth the price of admission. Home of several Irish Opens.

Since 1981

Golf in Dublin and the South