There are many course rankings out there. What’s the point? For starters, to educate golfers on everything this game can do to challenge your skill and — more important — your spirit. That’s exactly what makes GOLF’s inaugural rank of the Top 100 Courses in the UK and Ireland our most thrilling yet, spotlighting the obvious (i.e., the courses that have played host to the 149 previous Opens ahead of this July’s sesquicentennial), those that routinely pepper our World Top 100 and a few surprises. Golf here is, well, as bloody good as it gets.
Ireland is home to some of the most beautiful — and equally challenging — holes in all of golf. Firm fairways that roll off into high fescue define the best Irish holes, but the stress from its rigor is offset by amazing views of the Celtic and Irish Seas. If you travel around Ireland, you’ll find the common theme of links built directly between massive dunes. Some dunes tower so high to either side that you can only see the hole you’re playing (talk about an immersive experience).
While Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland is the only Open Championship host on this list, experts agree that many Irish courses can be too penalizing when the winds howl for tournament play. The perfect blend of natural beauty, historic architecture, and modern renovation, you can’t go wrong with these gems.
Ireland (17)
9. Ballybunion (Old)
11. Lahinch (Old)
13. St. Patrick’s Links
17. Portmarnock (Old)
39. Waterville
50. County Louth
53. County Sligo
54. Enniscrone (Dunes)
56. The Island
64. Trump International Doonbeg
65. Tralee
66. Carne (Wild Atlantic)
68. Adare Manor
79. European Club
83. Old Head
88. Rosapenna (Sandy Hills)
99. Ballyliffin (Old)
Northern Ireland (3)
2. Royal County Down (Championship)
5. Royal Portrush (Dunluce)
73. Portstewart (Strand)
