Royal Portrush

A world-class links with jaw-dropping terrain and Open pedigree. Dunluce is Northern Ireland’s crown jewel – wild, pristine, and unforgettable.

Slope Rating

148 Par

72 Yardage

7,337

Royal Portrush’s Dunluce Links is one of the greatest courses on earth – and after hosting The Open in 2019 and again in 2025, it’s no longer a hidden gem. Set on Northern Ireland’s rugged Antrim coast, the course is dramatic, pure, and thrilling from start to finish. Originally designed by Harry Colt in 1929 and updated by Martin Ebert ahead of The Open, the layout flows over towering dunes, deep valleys, and craggy cliff edges. The fairways are tight, the bunkers ruthless, and the greens subtle yet slick. The new 7th and 8th holes added before 2019 are masterful, but the standout is the 16th – “Calamity Corner” – a long par-3 over a chasm of rough. The closing stretch, including the 18th beneath the grand clubhouse, delivers major championship energy. Portrush is a demanding course that rewards bravery, vision, and control. The conditioning is exceptional and the welcome is warm – but this is not a casual round. It’s golf at full throttle, on sacred turf.

Designer

Harry Colt (1929); redesigned by Martin Ebert (2015–2017)

Opened

1888 (current Dunluce Links opened in 1929)

Tee time availability

Difficult

Special information

Book well in advance. Limited public slots and high global demand since The Open. Ideal paired with Portstewart or Royal County Down.

Tiger’s best round

—

Rory’s best round

61 – at age 16 (amateur round, pre-redesign)

Mens course record

63 – Shane Lowry (2019 Open Championship)

Ladies course record

—

Round duration

4 hours 45 minutes

Caddy guide

Strongly recommended – routing, wind, and blind shots benefit hugely from expert guidance

Buggies

Not permitted

A full test – bring every shot shape. Know your carry distances and commit fully on the back nine. Avoid short-siding yourself and embrace the wind.

Choose the correct tees. It’s long and tough, but unforgettable. Play smart, lay up when needed, and don’t chase big numbers – the views alone are worth the challenge.

Only attempt if you’re confident with the wind and rough. Use forward tees. Even if you struggle, you’ll remember the experience forever – one of golf’s great pilgrimages.

Green speed

10 – fast, firm, and championship-prepped year-round

Wind

Typically from the west off the Atlantic. Strong and swirling, especially on cliff-edge holes. Club selection often varies by two or three clubs.

Pace of play

Well managed – marshals on hand and elite-level pacing throughout the day

Nerves on the first tee

High. The Open layout, grand clubhouse, and spectator expectations make the opening drive feel significant

Clubhouse

Elegant and elevated – traditional with modern touches, offering panoramic views over the final holes

The 5th (“White Rocks”) is a par-4 running along cliffs with sea views. The 16th (“Calamity Corner”) is one of the world’s toughest par-3s – 236 yards over a ravine. The 18th is a true championship finisher framed by grandstands and bunkers.

Wild coastal conditions – rain, wind, and sunshine can all appear in a single round. Best months are May to September. Wind defines the experience – bring layers and be ready to adapt.