RickMatheson

I decided to play the tips as I find it offers the most scenic views. Played the cheaper Kai course. Teed off at 1:50 pm and struggled to get all 18 in as we were following a threesome with a beginner lady golfer. I hope the new 54 handicap doesn't encourage more high handicappers to play on championship courses as it really ruins the experience. Par 70, over 6,300 yards, although numerous tees had been moved up. W
indy conditions. Only about 5 holes on the flat lower grounds and the rest are on the side of the volcanic ashes making for entertaining holes with great vistas. The greens were running fast and true and were very soft from all the rain. Beautiful views of volcanic mountains and a late afternoon finish provided some great light for photos. Sand traps were fair and sand quality was good for getting it up and down. Not many water hazards on the course.

This was my third time playing this course and its always enjoyable. I have played about 70 links courses in the U.K, and it ranks in my top five. Great topography, high dunes, challenging layouts, good view of the North Atlantic Ocean. Wildlife on the course included a small fox who had been fed too many times by golfers. Large undulation changes, expansive views, blind shots, deep fescue, awe inspiring tee shots.

Notwithstanding the course has two Marshalls and it’s not. Very difficult, the pace of play it was so agonizingly slow that we quit after 16 holes. We will not be back. The course was in average condition.

We had an enjoyable round, good pace of play, tight fairways but a very fair course. Nice elevation changes. The green's comprised of Rye greens, and they were very slow, but in good shape.

This is the only course in Ireland I have played that doesn't have much fescue, just super long grass in the rough that makes it almost impossible to find your ball when you miss the fairway, which I did a lot. It really took away from the enjoyment of the course. They really need to figure out how to get real fescue where you actually have a chance to find your ball if you miss the fairway. The course was well laid out and it would have been much more enjoyable if they have real fescue. The course is n the dark ages as they don't permit you to wear soft spikes in the F&B areas. The people were very friendly and proud of their course and the tradition.

We selected this course after reviewing some rankings and several people had recommended it while we were staying in Downings Beach Hotel near Rosapenna. It was a scenic drive on the way over to the course and the layout was interesting. The second hole is their signature hole with a challenging drive where you can try and take as much as possible off the distance by driving it left across a river, and then decide whether to lay up or go for it on your second shot. Good elevation changes, the fairways are unique in that both sides are often surrounded by sand dunes which funnels the ball back into the fairways. The fescue can be fairly punishing so watch closely when you ball goes into it as its not always easy to find. The back nine has a bit of everything including 17 and 18 being quasi parkland, and the 18th tee deck provides spectacular views of the surrounding town, beach and Ocean. The Men's Captain Martin Blaney was very hospitable as were two members we played with and later joined for dinner in the clubhouse. The course was founded in 1891 by Mr. Barton who introduced the Barton Cup that represents the longest standing match play competition in Ireland. Lots of history, fun place to play, good value for the money. Paul McGinley is currently working on a redesign of some of the holes and bunkers to further enhance the course enjoyment and playability. The course was originally designed by Charles Thompson, and renovated by Pat Ruddy (European Club, Ballyliffin Glashedy, Druids Glen and Heath and Rosapenna Sandyhills). Other founding members of the Golfing Union of Ireland include Royal Country Down and Royal Portrush, so Portsalon is in good company. Make sure you take in the Fanad Lighthouse on your way to the course (leave and extra 25-30 minutes - great for seeing the northern lights on a clear night), and don't miss the drive along the coast from Portsalon to Rathmullan along R268.

The course was in great condition, very scenic, great attention to detail, greens run fast and true, views of the ocean and humpback whales on almost every hole. Each hole was unique and the round was a very enjoyable experience. One of the top five courses on Maui (others include Kapalua Plantation & Bay Courses, The Dunes & Maui Lani and the Wailea Emerald Course, plus The Challenge at Manele on Lanai is a must for the avid golfer). The round was topped off by Susan getting a hole-in-one on the Par 3 11th hole, #2 and counting .........

I have wanted to play this course for years and found it to be a fair course and it presented some great golf holes. The greens are well guarded and frequently elevated and if you miss to the left or right it presents some challenging shots to get up and Down for a par. Played from the tips and it was very enjoyable.