Golf Course Review – Royal Portrush

When Tom Watson says that the Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush is ‘as pretty a golf course as you’ll ever play’, you listen.

There is obviously far more to this storied golf course, but he isn’t wrong. Neither was Gary Player when he said: “I don’t think there’s a better golf course ever chosen for The Open.”

Everything about Royal Portrush, from the moment you embrace the clubhouse on the way in until you play back towards it at 18, is beyond exceptional.

Driving through the gates requires a pinch of the skin, but the journey offers a brief escape from the majestic golf experience that awaits.

Ruins of the Dunluce Castle, which the championship course was named after, are perched over the sea between Portrush and Portballintrae, hanging onto the breathtaking coastline.

Given the history surrounding the club, it seemed right that golf’s oldest major made a return to Portrush in 2019 for the first time since 1951.

And before Shane Lowry would get his hands on the Claret Jug, several changes were made to the Dunluce Links. So, it was time to see what all the fuss was about.

Verdict

Inevitably, pegging up your ball on the first tee at Royal Portrush is nerve-wracking. In fact, that’s an understatement, but not by look, rather stature.

After all, this is one of the finest golf courses in the world. However, as soon as that breakfast ball leaves the clubface, it’s easy to see why, but that only adds to the experience.

More immediately clear is that no matter how many times you play at Royal Portrush, it will never get old.

No two holes are the same, and while it’s a gentle, yet long, introduction to the round, wait until you reach the fifth hole.

After a nervy opener, I piped a drive over the slopes on ‘White Rocks’. Our caddie Mark, who was excellent value, had me aiming slightly left, and it found the short stuff.

At only 379 yards, it doglegs to the right as the approach shot heads straight towards the sea, resting behind the green. It’s as good a view as you’ll find on the property, perhaps in the country.

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While other terrific views kick in on the back nine, the new seventh hole is fine on the eyes, with a glistening fairway flanked by white wiry dunes. ‘Curran Point’ is one of two new additions, alongside ‘Dunluce’.

Those Martin Ebert-designed holes look like they have been around forever and took between a year and a half and two years to put together.

The new kids on the block really epitomise Portrush. You don’t need to be long, but whatever you do, keep it straight and out of the juicy rough – or you might be there a while.

I had to heed Mark’s warning around the 14th green when he told me to drop the wedge and bring the putter out. Realistically, that opportunity presents itself far sooner than the back nine, but to
navigate greenside slopes and bunkers later in the round, the Texas wedge is your friend.

Normally, after a long round, and it was to be expected given the occasion, you’d welcome the walk-in. That’s just not the case at Portrush, though.

On the hole where Lowry realised his Open dream, walking down the 18th at Portrush, a dogleg right with two mischievous fairway bunkers, is bittersweet. It’s a moment to cherish, but one you’re not longing for. Simply, a round you don’t want to end.

Standout hole

I’m a sucker for a par-4 with a view, so my favourite must be the fifth, but it would be rude not to give this special mention to the famous par-3 16th, obviously.

One of the most famous holes in golf, ‘Calamity Corner’ is iconic. At 236 yards, it’s brutal. Anything to the right will be swallowed by the deep chasm, so aim left and cross your fingers.

Akin to Portrush’s style, the green is big, but take care after finding it, as the putting surface dances left and right.

Did you know?

Just how good is (and was) Rory McIlroy? Well, as a 16-year-old, the Northern Irish prodigy fired in a course record 61 in the North of Ireland Amateur Championship.

It remains unmatched, although Lowry’s 63 on the new course is the best since.

And another thing…

Heads up, you can’t rent a buggy at Royal Portrush. But, in all honesty, why would you want to?

Take in every inch of fairway you get to walk on here because it’s some of the finest you’ll ever see, never mind play on. It’s more of a glide than a walk, and the views help that.

Green fees

For the reasons highlighted above, it’s not going to be cheap to tee it up on the Dunluce Links, but it’s no wonder visitors arrive in hordes year in, year out.

Between May 1 and September 31, a round here will set you back £340. While the term ‘it’s worth every penny’ is thrown around too often, this truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

If you’re travelling with your pals, then take advantage of Golf Ireland’s group of four rate, available upon request. And don’t forget to hire a caddie, that really is non-negotiable.

Find out more

T: 028 7082 2311

W: royalportrushgolfclub.com

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.