Royal Portrush is a living testament to the artistry of golf course design and the enduring allure of links golf. With its stunning scenery, challenging layout and rich history, this Northern Irish gem offers golfers an unforgettable journey into the heart and soul of the game.

A treasure of Northern Island, Royal Portrush is located near several other notable sites, such as the Giant’s Causeway. Famous for its unique hexagonal basalt columns, formed by ancient volcanic activity, it’s located only a short drive east of Royal Portrush and is a favourite of visitors seeking remarkable natural beauty. Furthermore, the historic cities of Belfast and Derry/Londonderry are located close to Royal Portrush, offering complex history and beautiful architecture to visitors.

One of the top 100 UK golf courses, Royal Portrush is a welcoming and warm atmosphere for golfers, and the historical significance of its championship legacy adds an element of tradition and prestige to the visit.

The 2019 Open Championship was so successful that the prestigious tournament is scheduled to return to Royal Portrush in 2025.


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135 years ago, the Royal Portrush Golf Club was founded as the County Club in 1888. Under the patronage of the Duke of York, the County Club became the Royal County Club in 1892, and gained its present name under the patronage of the Prince of Wales in 1895.

In 1951, Royal Portrush Golf Club held The Open Championship, the first time it was held in Northern Ireland. This marked it out as one of the best golf courses in Northern Ireland. The club has hosted other prestigious events, such as the Senior British Open Championship (1995 to 1999 and 2004) and the Palmer Cup in 2010. It held the Open Championship for the second time in 2019, bringing back attention for the world to marvel at the course.

The front nine winds through natural valleys, providing fantastic scenery and views, setting you up for a brilliant game. The back nine, however, takes you to the edge – both figuratively and literally. Although this course is wonderfully playable for golfers of any standard, holes like the Par 3 14th can challenge you just as well as any other classic links course.

The design of the course is meticulous; featuring 18 holes that each present a new puzzle to the golfer, where the weather, terrain and pot bunkers add layers of experience to your game. Designed by Harry Colt in 1929, the Dunluce is a tough course and a true test of a golfer’s skill and precision. The ingenious design takes advantage of the natural landscape, incorporating existing dunes and valleys to create a layout as demanding as it is picturesque.

The course’s reputation extends beyond local borders and draws golfers from around the world to its fairways, building its reputation as one of the best UK golf courses. The meticulous maintenance of the course ensures that players experience conditions akin to those in professional tournaments, allowing golfers to achieve long-lasting memories in a stunning location.

A long Par 4, over 480 yards from the championship tees, this hole has several bunkers in the billowing fairway and a green on two small sand hills. Out of bounds running all the way down on your right and thick rough on the left, this hole is known as Fred Daly’s, after the 1947 champion golfer.

This 374 yard, Par 4 hole is a relatively short downhill, with a dogleg to the right and a demanding ridge in the green. Two new bunkers and an out-of-bounds just over the back of the green make this signature hole a true challenge for golfers.

Calamity Corner is aptly named, as this hole is played to a green over a great ravine. Although there are no bunkers, the slightly uphill shot causes enough trouble on this Par 3 of 236 yards. Only one member, Michael Henry, is known to have made more than one ace at this hole, in both 2007 and 2019.

Royal Portrush Golf Club has an Internet Tee Reservation System, where golfers can book tee-times 24/7 through the club website. There are limitations of what time visitors can play in order to accommodate members.

You must provide your handicap certificate to be able to play on the Dunluce Course at Royal Portrush.

A green fee for a round at the Dunluce is £340 through the summer months.

Two: the Dunluce Links, which has hosted the Open Championship on multiple occasions, and the Valley Links.

A round on the Valley Links will cost £140 through the summer months, and just £40 throughout the winter season.


Visit Royal Portrush's website here.
Go back to the NCG Top 100s Homepage.