Imagine you’re standing on a lush cliff. The Atlantic breeze raises your spirits with each gust. Below, the land curves and dips beautifully. Welcome to Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland – a gem for golf lovers. It was founded in 1888 and began as a modest 9-hole course. Now, it’s a championship links full of history, challenge, and beauty1. Here, golf legends have made unforgettable shots. Their achievements add to the course’s challenge and charm.
At the center of Royal Portrush is the Dunluce Links. It was crafted by the famous Harry Colt in 19291. Named after medieval Dunluce Castle ruins, this course offers stunning Atlantic views and a tough layout1. Before The Open in 2019, the course was upgraded. It got five new greens, extra tee boxes, and clever bunkers2. Walking here, you feel the echo of past tournaments. Each step is a walk through golf’s rich history.
Key Takeaways
- Royal Portrush Golf Club, founded in 1888, offers a historic and scenic golfing experience1.
- The Dunluce Links, originally designed by Harry Colt in 1929, is one of the world’s most challenging links settings1.
- Significant upgrades were made for The Open in 2019, including five new greens and several new bunkers2.
- The Dunluce Links offers captivating views of the Atlantic Ocean and Dunluce Castle ruins, enriching your golfing journey1.
- The course combines historic character with modern challenges, creating an unparalleled experience for golfers1.
The Dunluce Links: Historic and Challenging
The Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush Golf Club is famous worldwide. It sits near the ancient Dunluce Castle ruins3. This course, designed by Harry Colt, gives stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Martin Ebert later redesigned it for The Open Championship in 2019, adding new greens, tee boxes, and bunkers. Ebert also created two new holes. Now, the course spans 7,337 yards and challenges top golfers.
The Dunluce Links is known for its tough holes, like the par-5 7th and the 236-yard 16th, called Calamity Corner. Winning requires accuracy and a smart strategy3. The course often hosts The Open Championship, showcasing its excellence. Ebert’s redesigns made the most of the natural scenery. He also cut down the number of bunkers, keeping the course’s historic feel3.
At Royal Portrush, skilled caddies help players through the course’s challenges. They share tips on handling the tricky parts of the game4. Caddies are ranked from Elite to Trainee, each with different fees. For example, Elite Caddies, who have worked at big events, cost £60.00, going up to £70.00 in 2024 plus a tip4. There are also Senior and Fore-Caddies, offering a range of support for players.
The Dunluce Links combines history with modern golf challenges. With landmarks like Dunluce Castle and views of the ocean, it’s a must-visit for golf enthusiasts. Playing here is an experience you won’t forget.
| Caddie Grading | Cost | Expertise |
|---|---|---|
| Elite Caddie (Blue Bib) | £60.00 (2024 rate £70.00) + gratuity | Extensive knowledge, Championship Event experience |
| Senior Caddie (Burgundy Bib) | £50.00 (2024 rate £60.00) + gratuity | Very good knowledge of the game and the links |
| Trainee Caddie (Yellow Bib) | £40.00 (2024 rate £50.00) + gratuity | Good knowledge of the game, limited links knowledge |
| Fore-Caddie (per group) | £100.00 + gratuity | Group assistance |
The Valley Links: Scenic and Unique
The Valley Links at Royal Portrush Golf Club is both scenic and unique. Designed by Harry Colt, it runs through dunes and natural hollows, which separate fairways. The course faces east-west, which cuts down crosswinds. This makes the game fun yet diverse.
Golfers start high up, getting used to the terrain through easier holes at first. Then, they face tougher challenges. Colt designed the course using the natural landscape, like sand dunes, to protect the greens. This design offers peek views of famous spots like Calamity Corner. It feels secluded, yet open.
Design and Layout
The Valley Links is celebrated for its outstanding design. It features rolling fairways and diverse landscapes, making each hole stand out. Harry Colt brilliantly used the natural setting. He added sand dunes and native plants for beauty and challenge.
As you play, you’ll see how well Colt’s design blends with nature. It creates a golf experience that’s both remarkable and distinct, making it one of the finest links courses.
Signature Holes
The Valley Links has several key holes that show Colt’s genius. The 5th hole, with its big fairway bunkers and a narrow way to the green, requires skill and careful planning. The 6th hole, a tough par-3, challenges your short game with high tees and tricky pin positions. The 10th hole, a divisive par-4/5, offers various play strategies.
These signature holes highlight the course’s challenge and beauty. Playing the Valley Links is unforgettable. It’s perfect for those who love how nature and design work together.
“Royal Portrush Golf Club, founded in 1888, includes the Valley Links as part of its rich heritage. The club hosted the first professional event in Ireland in 1895 and became the first and only Irish course to host the British Open in 1951. The Open Championship returned to Royal Portrush in 2019.”5
The Valley Links offers a special golf experience. From its rolling fairways to strategic play, it stands apart from other courses. Every round you play is unique and full of challenge, capturing the spirit of a true Harry Colt design.
Royal Portrush: A Golfing Landmark
Since its beginning in 1888, the Royal Portrush Golf Club has been a key piece of golf history. It is known worldwide as a top golfing spot. Northern Ireland Golf is proudly represented here, especially with The Open Championship being held at the club. The mix of a deep golfing heritage and recent upgrades was showcased when Shane Lowry won The Dunluce Links in 20196.
Royal Portrush gained its legendary status by hosting The Open, which will come back in 20256. Martin Ebert played a key role in updating the course before the 2019 Open. His work made the course even more challenging for top players6. These improvements show the club’s aim to stay a leading premier golf destination.
Royal Portrush sits in a stunning place along the Antrim coastline. Both the Dunluce and Valley Links courses offer amazing views and tough games known worldwide. The Valley Links is being improved to make it even better6. Close by, the Port Stewart golf course provides more beautiful games, making this area a top golf choice6.
Royal Portrush’s story is filled with thrilling moments. Shane Lowry’s victory and Martin Ebert’s redesigns are key highlights. They show the club’s push for excellence and newness in golf6. For anyone who loves golf, Royal Portrush is a place where tradition and the excitement of championship golf meet.
Conclusion
Royal Portrush is a top spot for golf lovers worldwide. It boasts the Dunluce and Valley Links, combining history, challenge, and stunning views. Golfers explore these courses filled with tales and surrounded by nature and thoughtful design. Outstanding Golf Courses at Royal Portrush offer a unique and luxurious experience.
Playing at Royal Portrush takes you on an exciting 18-hole journey, par 72, making it one of the best golf travel destinations7. Golfers face challenges, including the famous 5th and 14th holes7. These iconic spots combine strategy with stunning views for an unforgettable golf course review.
The renovation for the Open Championship added new holes 7th and 8th by the sea, improving iconic golf club7 standards. This update was widely praised, placing Royal Portrush among top luxury golf experiences. Its blend of old-world charm and modern challenge ensures Royal Portrush is a key golf landmark, enhancing your game.
FAQ
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Source Links
- https://www.haversham.com/bakers-blog/royal-portrush-complete-guide/
- https://thewanderinggolfers.com/royal-portrush-dunluce-links/
- https://hiluxury.com/golf/royal-heritage?format=amp
- https://www.royalportrushgolfclub.com/visitors/
- https://www.dunbargolftours.com/courses/royal-portrush/
- https://agolfersblog.com/home/2024/5/27/royal-portrush
- https://nolayingup.com/blog/royal-portrush