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Royal Portrush Golf club
At a glance Type of course: Links Length of course in yards: Dunluce: 7317; Valley: 6346 Par: Dunluce: 72, Valley: 70
Host of The 148th Open in 2019. Founded in 1888, the legendary Royal Portrush Golf Club has two Championship Courses the renowned Dunluce Course, where Darren Clarke plays while at home, and the smaller but equally enjoyable Valley Course, where Graeme McDowell, former US Open Champion, learnt his golf at an early age. The Dunluce Course, re-designed in 1947 by Mr. H.S. Colt and later in 1951, became host to the first ever Open Championship held in Ireland. During the entire tournament only two golfers managed to break 70. It’s easy to see why; the greens are scattered among huge sand dunes gently raised above the Antrim Coast providing vistas of sea, cliffs and islands. Portrush’s most celebrated holes are the 5th hole and the 16th. The par 45th, White Rocks is one of the most exhilarating two–shots in golf. Over hit the second shot,
Best days for visitors to play: Dunluce: Mon from 2pm; Tues & Thurs 9.40-11.50am & from 2pm; Wed & Fri 9.40-11.50am only; Sat from 3pm; Sun 10.30-11.50 & from 2pm. Valley: All week. Sat & Sun from 2pm.
and your ball disappears into the Atlantic! The aptly named 16th hole, ‘Calamity’ requires total precision to carry the ball over an enormous ravine. Mis-hit this one and you could be taking your next swing from at least fifty feet below the hole.
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Royal Portrush is currently No.8 in the world (Golf Digest 2019). After hosting the record breaking 148th Open, The R&A announced in September 2021 that 2025 would see it return for The 153rd Open. Fans are thrilled to see the event return just six years later.
Main Map Reference E2, 31
Dunluce Road, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8JQ Tel: +44 (0) 28 7082 2311 Email: info@royalportrushgolfclub.com (General) angus@royalportrushgolfclub.com (Reservations)
www.royalportrushgolfclub.com
Did you know? Rory McIlroy holds a course record at Royal Portrush from his amateur days. He was playing in the North of Ireland Championship in July 2005, playing off a +4 handicap and shot a 61. You can see his card displayed in the Club cabinet. 15
