From Portrush to Ballybunion: Tour the best 18 holes in Ireland
In honor of St. Patrick's Day, I've handpicked the 18 best golf holes in Ireland and Northern Ireland. As the course architect, I've looped them together into a fictitious but fantastic par-72 layout of 7,363 yards.
This dream layout -- with a back nine almost entirely along the scenic shore -- is a result of more than a decade of trips to the Emerald Isle.
Three of the clubs represented have hosted major international events -- Royal Portrush (1951 Open Championship), the Palmer Ryder Cup Course at The K Club (2006 Ryder Cup) and Royal County Down (2007 Walker Cup) -- and four others the European Tour's Irish Open -- Ballybunion, Druids Glen, Adare G.C. and Portmarnock.
Only one hole per club was eligible. The best part? None of the 18 holes are hidden away at private clubs. They're accessible to all comers. Do you question a selection or two? Let's spark up a lively debate over a pint at the 19th hole, the hub of that legendary Irish hospitality.
HOLE 1: No. 1, Strand Course at Portstewart Golf Club, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland; 427 yards, par 4.
HOLE 2: No. 2, Portsalon Golf Club, County Donegal; 457 meters (roughly 500 yards), par 4.
HOLE 3: No. 12, Waterville Golf Links, County Kerry; 200 yards, par 3.
HOLE 4: No. 16, Palmer Ryder Cup Course at The K Club, County Kildare; 570 yards, par 5.
HOLE 5: No. 5, Old Course at Lahinch Golf Club, County Clare; 154 yards, par 3.
HOLE 6: No. 13, Druids Glen Golf Course, County Wicklow; 491 yards, par 4.
HOLE 7: No. 7, The European Club, County Wicklow; 470 yards, par 4.
HOLE 8: No. 14, Dunluce Links at the Royal Portrush Golf Club, County Antrim, Northern Ireland; 210 yards, par 3.
HOLE 9: No. 18, Adare Golf Club, County Limerick; 548 yards, par 5.
HOLE 10: No. 6, Sandy Hills Links at Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Resort, County Donegal; 420 yards, par 4.
HOLE 11: No. 11, Old Course at Ballybunion Golf Club, County Kerry; 473 yards, par 4.
HOLE 12: No. 16, Tralee Golf Club, County Kerry; 199 yards, par 3.
HOLE 13: No. 12, Old Head Golf Links, County Cork; 564 yards, par 5.
HOLE 14: No. 1, Ardglass Golf Club, County Down, Northern Ireland; 335 yards, par 4.
HOLE 15: No. 1, Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Ireland, County Clare; 567 yards, par 5.
HOLE 16: No. 15, Championship Links at Portmarnock Golf Club, County Dublin; 204 yards, par 3.
HOLE 17: No. 16, Dunes course at Enniscrone Golf Club, County Sligo; 545 yards, par 5.
HOLE 18: No. 9, Championship Links at Royal County Down Golf Club, County Down, Northern Ireland; 486 yards, par 4.