Top 20 Globally
Royal Portrush
Portrush Golf Course Northern Ireland
The Dunluce Links is renowned for its dramatic opening stretch, where the course rises and falls through dunes sculpted by centuries of Atlantic weather. Holes such as the par four 5th known as “White Rocks” and the formidable closing stretch along the coastline are both visually striking and strategically demanding. The routing allows the landscape to dictate play, a hallmark of true links golf, with firm fairways, deep revetted bunkers, and greens that reward imagination and precision.
Royal Portrush holds a unique place in golf history as the only course outside Great Britain to host The Open Championship. The return of The Open in 2019 brought global attention to the course once again, showcasing its timeless design and modern championship credentials. The 2025 Open Championship will return to Royal Portrush, further cementing its status among the elite venues in world golf.
Beyond the course itself, Royal Portrush offers a complete golf experience. The clubhouse overlooks the Atlantic and provides a welcoming base before and after play, while the surrounding Causeway Coast offers natural landmarks, historic villages, and scenic drives that elevate any visit. Playing Royal Portrush is not simply a round of golf, but an immersion into the traditions, landscape, and competitive spirit that define links golf at its highest level.
5 Facts Before You Visit Portrush Golf Course
- Royal Portrush was founded in 1888 and received its Royal designation in 1895.
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The Dunluce Links is the only course outside Great Britain to have hosted The Open Championship.
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The Open Championship was held at Royal Portrush in 1951 and again in 2019, with a return scheduled for 2025.
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The course underwent a major redesign by Martin Ebert ahead of the 2019 Open, adding new holes and enhancing the routing.
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The famous par three 16th hole, known as “Calamity Corner”, is considered one of the toughest and most dramatic holes in championship golf.
“Royal Portrush is the most natural links I have ever played. It feels like the course was simply discovered, not built.”