I had the very welcome pleasure of playing as many as seven Open venues in 2024. Royal Lytham, Royal Birkdale, Princes, Royal St Georges, Royal Liverpool and Royal Portrush. What a privilege, feted life we lead.
All unique, all special. The crumpled fairways of Sandwich, that tee shot on the first at Hoylake, a pristine Lytham, rock and roll Birkdale and the understated elegance of Princes. What then of this year’s venue Portrush?
Spoiler. Portrush is in Northern Ireland. So the experience begins long before you step onto the first tee. The drive from Belfast to Portrush is just over an hour, but the scenery along the way means it passes quickly. Rolling green hills, picturesque villages and the rugged beauty of the coastline set the stage for what is to come.
A stop in the historic city of Derry offers a chance to absorb some of Northern Ireland’s deep cultural heritage before continuing along the Causeway Coastal Route. This famed road trip takes you past dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, and ancient ruins, offering a glimpse into a land that seems made for storytelling.
The course is perched on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The view of the course from the road as you arrive is breathtaking. A dune scape with holes laced a twixt and a tween, it is otherworldly, almost artistic and certainly unrivalled.
What to say about a golf course with which we are all so familiar.
I think it’s easiest to discuss its high points. The fifth then, an almost AI-generated, artist’s impression of a short four. From a tee at the high point of the property, the hole is stretched out in front of you all the way down to the Atlantic Ocean which laps at the fringe of the green. It is respite, an opportunity, risky and rewarding. Set against its peer Calamity Corner, the daunting par-three 16th. A huge carry, across an intimidating bowl, with a long iron or lofted metal a hole to be endured, where to par is to conquer. These two holes perhaps best sum up the Dunluce, it gives, and it takes but it is never less than spectacular.
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Writing this, I can still visualise many of the protagonists from the 2019 renewal of The Open, Tommy’s hair in the breeze, Rory’s futile charge on Friday afternoon and, of course, a hugely popular winner in Lowry. It is great we are going back again so soon, the town will do it even better this time and I for one can’t wait.
Where else can I play?
For me the pick of the remaining courses in this area is Castlerock and its Mussenden Course – another Colt, offering rolling dunes, fast fairways, tricky pot bunkers and providing a true test of links golf. With spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the River Bann, it is an incredible setting, and even on a blustery day provides a fun and interesting challenge.
The self-styled ‘Sleeping Giant’, Portstewart is home to The Strand golf course, made famous by Jon Rahm’s Irish Open victory in 2019. You can see why it produced a ball striker as winner. It is hard. With green sites in the air, and myriad angles and elevation change to contend with, it is a challenging day’s golf.
A word also for Bush Foot, Darren Clarke’s original club, and a nine-holer in the shadow of the mighty Dunluce. Established in 1890, it is just over 6,000 yards of joyful seaside golf with views of the Causeway and beyond, and what is more it won’t break the bank.
Beyond Golf
While Royal Portrush is undoubtedly the main attraction, a visit to this corner of Northern Ireland offers so much more. After a round, the town of Portrush is the perfect place to unwind. Cozy pubs, lively restaurants, and stunning seafront views make it an ideal spot to reflect on the day’s play over a pint of Guinness. Just be careful with the Harbour Bar or indeed Kelly’s, rumour has it they are hard to leave.
For those looking to explore, the nearby Giant’s Causeway is a must-visit. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a geological wonder that feels almost mythical in its appearance. Legend has it that the columns were built by the giant Finn McCool, adding an element of folklore to an already awe-inspiring location.
Whiskey lovers will also find themselves in paradise with a visit to the Old Bushmills Distillery, one of the oldest whiskey distilleries in the world. A tour of this historic site provides insight into the craftsmanship behind one of Ireland’s most famous exports, with a tasting session that rounds out the experience in style.
A trip to Portrush is more than just a golfing getaway; it is an experience that stays with you long after you leave. The combination of world-class golf, stunning natural beauty, and warm hospitality makes it one of the most unforgettable golfing destinations on the planet.
Be sure to try…
The Guinness Zero on DRAFT, it is amazing and so easy to drink I am not convinced about the zero..
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Have you ever played Royal Portrush? Have you ever played golf in Ireland before? Make sure to let us know and tell us on X!
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