By John Green
Fellow of the PGA & Former Head Professional at Alwoodley (35 Years)
Doonbeg has been a small blip on my golfing radar for a number of years now without me really knowing much about it – where it is, what sort of course it is, or if it is genuinely fun to play.
Like many classic venues on the wild western edge of Ireland, it felt legendary but slightly elusive. So, when I was given the opportunity to finally play and stay, I jumped at it.
The history of the ground adds massive context to the trip. Greg Norman was the original architect nearly 30 years ago, carved out of an extraordinary canvas of coastal land. However, since the Trump Organisation took over, world-renowned architect and R&A favourite Martin Hawtree has been tasked with moving the course to another level.
Hawtree has spent years refining the layout, and after some pretty significant recent additions – and with the Amgen Irish Open being staged here this September – it was the perfect time to head across the water to see what all the craic was about. (Sorry, I may have gone too early with ‘the craic’!)
Smooth Travel & Luxury Arrivals
Getting to this rugged part of the world is surprisingly straightforward. The closest sizeable airport with regular incoming flights from the UK is Shannon Airport.
After a brief 50-minute flight from Manchester and a highly scenic 50-minute transfer through the Irish countryside, I arrived at the gates of Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Doonbeg Ireland.
For those travelling with deep pockets, that 50-minute drive can be cut down to minutes by utilizing a private helicopter and landing directly at the on-site helipad next to the hotel. Next time, maybe…
The Course: An Infinite Dune Landscape
It remains an absolute wonder to me how it took this long for anyone to turn this piece of classic links land into a golf course. The setting is framed by massive, towering natural dunes that look as though they have guarded the ocean for millennia.
Advertisement
Greg Norman’s initial design really set the scene but Martin Hawtree has taken it a step further, implementing major changes to the 1st and 18th holes that were completed in record time to ready the course for the world’s best professional players.
The layout itself breaks traditional conventions by featuring five par threes and five par fives, which makes it super fun to play. It provides a constant ebb and flow of risk and reward.
In many ways, the course is absolutely classic links. You are playing through these amazing dunes to well-bunkered, super-undulating greens flanked by tight “run-offs” looking to grab a slightly mis-hit shot. The routing features nothing other than pure grass paths between greens and tees—which is an absolute must for any self-respecting links course nowadays.
Yet, there is also what you could call a modern or American side to Doonbeg. The fairways are generally wide, beautifully irrigated, and green, but they manage to maintain that crucial fast-running links texture.
From what I could see, the design strikes a clever visual contrast. The fairway bunkers all feature shaggy, hairy grass faces and tops. The greenside bunkers are all beautifully revetted in the traditional, punishing links style.
Do not let the visual intimidation freak you out from the tee. The rough looks way worse than it actually seems when you are standing on the box. It’s all in all a very playable, fair course for the everyday golfer.
If you get the chance during your visit, make sure to have a chat with the Head Professional, Brian Shaw.
Brian has been at the club from its earliest days and possesses a literal wealth of knowledge regarding the course’s evolution. He is a fantastic character and will gladly tell you a few funny stories about the resort’s colourful history if you catch him at a quiet moment.
Standout Holes and the Wind’s Trap
My favourite hole on the property is without a doubt the 18th. Stretching 432 yards from the championship tees, it plays brutally uphill right into the prevailing coastal breeze and is magnificently bunkered.
It’s a spectacular finishing test, and I can tell you right now, I wouldn’t like to have to make a par on this hole to win the Irish Open with the eyes of the world watching!
Another hole burned into my memory is the 14th—a brilliant, short par three that offers breath-taking, panoramic ocean views alongside a stunning look back at the clubhouse. It is short, but the wind here will always be a massive, unpredictable factor.
Mentioning the impending tournament, I think the touring pros’ caddies will really earn their pay that week. Because the entire course runs along a massive, crescent-shaped shoreline, you are constantly turning back and forth.
Judging the true wind direction when it’s bouncing off shifting dune walls is not easy. It will confuse even the sharpest loopers.
Practice Facilities Built for Perfection
As an old pro, I always judge a resort by where you sharpen the tools. Doonbeg excels here. They have built a large, pristine turf practice area with premium balls ready to whack, which blends seamlessly into a putting green, which then transitions into a lovely bunkered short-game area.
It is so good that I basically had to be dragged away by the ever-attentive staff. Said staff were on hand to transport me via shuttle buggy to the first tee a couple of minutes away.
Sumptuous 5-Star Accommodations
The accommodation at Doonbeg is simply luxury 5-star standard from top to bottom. The resort features a collection of Ocean View Suites, Courtyard View Suites, and private Links Cottages. I was treated to a stay in one of the Links Cottages, and it was simply sumptuous.
Advertisement
The beds are absolutely huge. The walk-in showers are stunning. And the individual attention to detail across the interior decor is off the charts. What truly made the hotel special was being billeted in these Cottages; they manage to offer the independent space and privacy of a home while retaining the full, elite services of a world-class hotel staff just a short call away.
Exceptional Dining Options
The on-site culinary options are excellent. The hotel’s two primary restaurants provide simply amazing cuisine. They focus on fresh Irish seafood and exceptional steaks in a refined setting.
However, to experience a bit of local flavour, we ventured off-property for one night. We ate at Tubridys Bar & Restaurant in the nearby village of Doonbeg.
It was a spectacular choice, offering fantastic food, an incredibly active, welcoming pub atmosphere, and that genuine Irish hospitality that you just can’t manufacture. Oh and Guinness that just tastes different in Ireland…
The Southwest Atlantic Links Hub
If you are planning to anchor a wider Southwest Ireland golf itinerary here, you are perfectly positioned amongst some of the finest linksland on earth.
Just a short 30 minute drive north sits the legendary Lahinch Golf Club. Its Old Course is an absolute bucket-list Alister MacKenzie classic boasting blind shots and pure coastal drama.
Head south across the Shannon Estuary via the Kilimer ferry, and you will find yourself at Ballybunion Golf Club. The world-renowned Old Course weaves through massive, intimidating dunes overlooking the beach.
For those willing to travel slightly further into County Kerry, Tralee Golf Club and the majestic Waterville Golf Links complete a world-class golfing coastline. The pair show what makes this specific corner of Ireland an absolute paradise for the purist.
Advertisement
Final Thoughts
Let’s be completely honest: a trip here is not cheap. But if you are looking to treat yourself to a special getaway at a truly special course, staying in a spectacular hotel with incredibly attentive staff in a lovely area of County Clare, then Trump Doonbeg is just for you.
NOW HAVE YOUR SAY
Have you visited Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Doonbeg Ireland before? If so, what did you make of your stay and the golf on offer? Let us know by leaving a comment or by getting in touch with us on X!
Advertisement
