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From our Directory of the most recommended golf courses
Royal Portrush Golf Club
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Rating: 3.8
Pace of Play
4
Greens
4
Service
4
Value
4
Design/Layout
5
Royal Portrush is located 1.5 hours north of Belfast on the Antrim Coast and is the site of the only British Open played in Ireland. The terrain, when compared to other classic links courses is somewhat sedate, moderate. The balance of the design, and the unique character of each hole, add to the challenge and the magnificence of the course. There's a premium on driving accuracy, the greens all with varying approaches, the bunkers strategically placed, and the greens particularly undulating. One hole in particular, Calamity, is one of the world's most notorious par 3's. The course, and Portrush, the town were once a holiday destination 100 years ago, but today, it's primarily the golf.
Published by: edb
Posted by: AlanMcP
Dec 8th, 2010
The thing that really sets the course apart for me is the most fantastic and imaginative green sites. Played it on a cold and wet February morning with a strong 2-3 club wind but there was no where i would have rather been, shot 4 over so that obviously helps!!!!
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Posted by: McCloud
Nov 14th, 2010
That is a must play, along with Royal County Down. I would definitely play both courses here, the Valley is a gem in its own right. Portstewart and Castlerock are also very good in that area. Ardglass over just north of Newcastle on the ocean is also spectacular if mixed. There are some very dramatic cliffside holes and some mundane inland holes. It's fun. The food is a disaster in Ireland. NEVER order the "Caesar Salad," there is nothing caesar about it, just a glob of mayo and cabbage that is nearly inedible. In Coleraine, the regional town between Castlerock and Portrush, is a wonderful Chinese restaurant called the Water Garden, so good that we ate there twice. In Portrush there is a pretty good place called the Wine Bar that is lively. Golf is of higher quality than gastronomy in Northern Ireland, trust me on this.
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Posted by: LNewsome
Sep 20th, 2010
I just got back from a trip where we played Portrush- Dunluce and Valley, Castlerock, and Portstewart.Unfortunately we played the Valley in a driving rain, so I can't say that I really noticed a whole lot beyond where my ball was. With that caveat, my view is that I would absolutely play Dunluce and Valley, and then it's fairly close between Portstewart and Castlerock, both of which have some great holes and some boring holes (and are priced almost exactly the same). All things considered, I'd probably want to play Portstewart over Castlerock [primarily because the front at Portstewart is terrific], and it was close to where we were staying at Bushmills.
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Posted by: McGregor
Jul 20th, 2010
Played the Valley, the second course in this lovely oldl town. We played it on a windy day, no one else on the course on a perfect day, sunny, 2-3 club wind. The whole layout is very natural and greens and faiways well kept. Not to many extraordinary holes, but good memories about the hole round. There is no public clubhouse, only a small starters house, where you pay your greenfee. For 30GPB a must play.
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Posted by: mutiger97
Jul 7th, 2010
Dunluce is a great course, but it has a few disappointing holes that could easily be eliminated by stealing some land from the Valley course and slightly altering two other holes. Have any of you other armchair (or actual) architects ever wanted to get your hands on that course for some modest renovations (or is it taboo to even suggest altering such a great course)?
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Posted by: EvanH
May 13th, 2010
We enjoyed the Valley course here very much and would recommend playing it, even though it doesn't have the character of Dunlace. It doesn't have the great views out over the Atlantic and along the cliffs like Dunlace, but it's a fun course to play through the sandhills with not much in the way of bunkers, a little more forgiving, and less challenging.
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Posted by: JayM
Sep 24th, 2009
Beautiful setting for the course on the northern Antrim Coast, very strong, big course, dreadfully difficult with the wind, but in great condition. Stayed at the Bushmill's Inn just 15 minutes away,very comfortable, but expensive.
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Posted by: SeanM
Oct 29th, 2008
The fairways were well groomed and not like a pasture you'll see in some highly regarded courses here or in Scotland. The greens are large and welcoming but are often well guarded by large bunkers at just the point you need to place the approach. If found that the greens hold well and putt true. Water holes are not a problem because there are none. There are a number of blind holes, and without a caddy or players familiar with the course you will be in big trouble. Excellent course, great history, it's easy to see why it's so highly regarded.
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Posted by: peteMcD
Sep 29th, 2008
This beautiful course in Antrim is a links heaven. Just like the others in this list, it is very challenging, but even the poorest of rounds won't spoil your appreciation, as the course hosts magnificent ocean views.
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Jul 4th, 2008
Great golf complex. Play the Valley course first to warm up for the Dunluce Championship course. The course was in great shape with the wild Irish Roses surrounding the greens and tees in full bloom. Views along the coast holes were great, and there was not a weak hole on the course. Take a caddie for maximum enjoyment