Royal Portrush Golf Club

Royal Portrush (Dunluce Links Course) was host to The Open in 2019 for the first time in 68 years that it was organised in (Northern) Ireland. Well in my opinion it can come back sooner (rumours are that it will be back in 2026). If it is, then please play it before and go there to see how the big boys play it. The course is designed by top architect Harry S. Colt and if you have played more Colt courses you will see his trademarks. Relatively wide landing area's, though approach shot's and big slightly (sometime deviously) undulated greens.

The first hole par 4, where Rory shot that terrible 8, is ok to begin with yes there is out of bounds on the left and right but plenty of space on the fairway. The first cut at Portrush is a bit wider and more friendly (probably not during The Open) than courses like Royal County Down but the approaches have to be precise. If you miss the greens there are big run-offs that will take you 3 shots to finish the hole.

The views on and off the course are amazing when you look east you see the Giant Causeway and west you see the beautiful coast line. Especially the views from the green of hole 5 are amazing, and don't be long or you have to climb down to the beach... what's nice (and difficult) at Portrush is that the holes are not your classic links routing with nine holes out and nine holes in. This results in different wind directions on almost every hole. Some holes like 7 & 8 you really need to carry the ball to reach the fairway. On 16 a 200 yards par 3 (236! from the back-tee) you need a lot of carry because there is not really a bailout and the wind is most of the time against... so my flight members hit driver and I barely got my ball with a 3 wood left of the green for a well earned bogey... no wonder it's called Calamity Corner...

The clubhouse is huge (there is also an other 18 holes course) and the pro-shop well stocked. If you ever have the chance to play Royal Portrush go for it and I hope you have the same experience as I did; just sheer Links happiness! Also last tip; if you play here for the first time (or 2nd) please use a caddy, they are very knowledgeable tell great stories and will at least save you 10 shots, plus they will carry your bag and you will need all the energy you have to play this magnificent course.

Absolut toller und abwechslungsreicher Golfplatz an atemberaubender Lage an der nordirischen Küste und der Dunluce Links ist einer der schönsten Linksplätze überhaupt. Schwieriger Parcour der von Harry Colt entworfen wurde und für höheren Handicaps eher nicht zu empfehlen ist. Die 148 British Open werden 2019 hier gespielt und es wir eine Freude sein, den besten Golfspielern der Welt zuzusehen, wie Sie diese Herausforderung meistern. Für diesen Anlass wurden auf dem Dunluce Links das 7. und 8. Loch vom den Architekten Martin Ebert von Mackenzie & Ebert neu designed. Auch auf dem benachbarten Valley Links Course kann man sich mit dem Golfschläger vorzüglich vergnügen. Club Caddys sind zu empfehlen, denn Golfcarts sind nicht erlaubt. Sehr gut assortierter Proshop. Auch schon Austragungsort der Irish Open im Rahmen der European Tour, mit über 250'000 Zuschauern!

Absolutely great and varied golf course in breathtaking location on the Northern Irish coast and the Dunluce Links is one of the most beautiful courses ever. Difficult course designed by Harry Colt and not recommended for higher handicaps. The 148th Open will be played here in 2019 and it will be a pleasure to see the best golfers in the world master this challenge. For this occasion, the 7th and 8th holes on the Dunluce Links were redesigned by architect Martin Ebert of Mackenzie & Ebert. On the neighbouring Valley Links Course you can also enjoy the golfgame very much. Club caddies are recommended as golf carts are not allowed. Very well assorted Proshop. Also already venue of the Irish Open in the context of the European Tour, with over 250'000 spectators!

Wir durften diesen traumhaften Golfplatz kurz vor den Open 2019 spielen. Eine wunderbare Kulisse auf einem der gepflegtesten Golfplätze, die ich jemals gespielt habe! Ein unvergessliches Erlebnis! Der Platz ist trotz des hohen Green-Fees jeden Cent wert.

Royal Portrush is absoluut een bucketlistbaan en het is een mooie ervaring om de baan te spelen op een van de laatste dagen dat gasten welkom zijn voor The Open. Tegelijkertijd was het aanstaande Open ook de reden dat ik niet volledig kon proeven van deze klassieker. De tribunes, de scoreborden, het constante geluid van bouwwerk en vooral ook het verplicht van matjes spelen. Jammer, want een beest van een baan is dit wel. Prachtige holes, blinde slagen, keiharde greens, alles wat linksgolf mooi maakt. Graag nog een keer, maar dan zonder tribunes en matjes.

Prachtige ligging aan de Noord-Ierse kust. Links course 2.0. In 2019 wordt hier The Open gespeeld. Relatief makkelijke eerste hole, maar schijn bedriegt. Hoge duintoppen, veel taai helmgras, lange slagen voor je de fairway bereikt. Club Caddie is aan te bevelen. Geen buggy's. Schitterende vergezichten.