Dooks

A charming, traditional links tucked between sea and mountains. Dooks is pure, peaceful, and personal – one of Ireland’s most underrated gems.

Slope Rating

132

Par

71

Yardage

6,511

Dooks Golf Club is one of Ireland’s oldest and most characterful links courses – a coastal gem nestled beside Dingle Bay, with views of the Reeks and MacGillycuddy’s mountains. Founded in 1889, it offers a more intimate, low-profile round compared to the blockbuster names nearby. But make no mistake – Dooks is authentic, challenging, and utterly beautiful. The routing flows gently through natural dunes and rumpled fairways, with blind shots, seaside breezes, and quirky hole shapes that keep you guessing. It’s not long, but it demands accuracy, touch, and smart club selection. There’s little room for brute force – this is a thinking golfer’s course. Greens are firm and subtly contoured, while bunkering is minimal but strategic. The 13th is a standout – a short par-4 through a narrow dune valley, with trouble on all sides. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming – it’s a club that values the game’s spirit and history. For many, Dooks is a favourite precisely because it doesn’t try too hard. It’s golf in its purest form – raw, honest, and quietly unforgettable.

Designer

Originally designed in 1889; updated by Martin Hawtree in 2006

Opened

1889

Tee time availability

Good

Special information

Less crowded than nearby Tralee or Waterville. A perfect addition to a southwest itinerary – especially for lovers of traditional links.

Tiger’s best round

Rory’s best round

Mens course record

64 – Club competition

Ladies course record

Round duration

4 hours 20 minutes

Caddy guide

Recommended – especially helpful for navigating blind shots and local bounce

Buggies

Available with medical certificate

Positioning is everything. Trust your yardages, avoid missing short side, and bring imagination around the greens. Smart play pays dividends here.

One of the most enjoyable tests in Ireland. Keep it straight, don’t overthink the wind, and enjoy the natural rhythm of the course.

Very playable. Use forward tees, avoid the gorse, and lean into the scenic surroundings. One of the best value experiences in Irish golf.

Green speed

9 – firm, true, and gently undulating

Wind

Variable – typically softer than coastal giants, but still influential. Swirls through the low dunes.

Pace of play

Excellent – relaxed atmosphere and smooth tee scheduling

Nerves on the first tee

Low – welcoming vibe, with a wide opener that lets you ease in

Clubhouse

Cosy and traditional – great local food and friendly staff

The 13th is a wonderfully quirky par-4 through a natural dune chute. The 4th offers panoramic bay views from the elevated tee. The closing stretch includes subtle doglegs and risk-reward moments that reward finesse over firepower.

Situated between mountains and sea, Dooks enjoys slightly milder and drier conditions than nearby Tralee or Waterville. Still expect occasional showers and breezes – but often more forgiving. Summer months are idyllic.