The European Club

Pat Ruddy was originally a golf writer, but he had a dream as a young man to build and own a golf course. This was a highly unusual thought growing up in Ireland where all the courses are either owned by cities, or are long time member owned. Ruddy persisted over the years, adding golf course architecture to his resume, and eventually finding the land for the European Club from a helicopter. He's written a book on the experience, and it's an excellent read. On to the course. The course is set on a series of dunes, fashioned from time on the Irish Sea, 40 miles south of Dublin. It has has slender fairways, a few blind shots and a collection of superb par 4s. It also has 20 holes, and why not, Ruddy said "we had enough land, and we're here to play golf aren't we?" Ruddy also has designed Ballyliffin (Glashedy), Druids Glen, Rosapenna, Port Salon, St. Margaret's, Donegal (Murvagh) and Montreal Island Golf Club. The course is a Top 50 in the world from a number of golf publications, and well regarded by the top touring pros, in fact there's a photo of Ruddy with Tiger, O'Meara, Duval, and McCarron in the clubhouse. When thinking of the European Club, don't expect a massive clubhouse and facilities. Ruddy would have none of that, you'll find a spartan clubhouse, no pro shop, and light food and beverage services.