what is a links golf course in ireland

by Carolyn VonRueden 8 min read

A links course is the oldest type of golf course, which was first developed in Scotland

Scotland

Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It covers the northern third of the island of Great Britain, with a border with England to the southeast, and is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, the North Sea to the northeast, the Irish Sea to the south, and more th…

. “Links” refers to areas of coastal sand and dunes, which are characteristic of many courses on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, for example. If you’re looking for the best affordable golf courses in Ireland, it’s best to go anywhere from April through October.

Over 100 years old, Waterville is rated among the top 5 courses in Ireland and the top 20 links courses in the world. Links golf combines sand dunes gorse and native grasses, firm fairways, sod faced bunkers and subtle putting surfaces all intertwined by the ever-changing weather.

Full Answer

What are the best golf courses in Ireland?

What is the hardest course in Ireland?

  • Druid’s Heath (Co.
  • Enniscrone (Co.
  • Headfort (New) in Co.
  • The European Club (Co.
  • Scrabo (Co.
  • Dingle/Ceann Sibéal in Co. Kerry is so exposed to the Atlantic winds you may not be able to stand upright.
  • Carton House (Montgomerie) in Co. Kildare.
  • Carne (Co. Mayo).

What are the best courses in Ireland?

Top 10 courses in Ireland

  • Best Courses in Ireland. The clouds are lower in Ireland because heaven is closer. ...
  • Top 10 courses in Ireland 2021. ...
  • Data analytics in Ireland. ...
  • Business analytics in Ireland. ...
  • Data science in Ireland. ...
  • Big Data in Ireland. ...
  • Computer Science in Ireland. ...
  • Cyber Security in Ireland. ...
  • Cloud Computing in Ireland. ...
  • Digital Marketing in Ireland. ...

More items...

What is the most famous golf course in Ireland?

Top 10 best golf courses in Ireland

  1. Royal County Down, Co. Down – tee off at the Mountains of Mourne. ...
  2. Royal Portrush, Co. Antrim – truly one of the best golf courses in Ireland. ...
  3. Lahinch, Co. Clare – one of the Ireland golf courses worthy of its ranking. ...
  4. Ballybunion, Co. ...
  5. Portmarnock, Co. ...
  6. Rosses Point, Co. ...
  7. Ballyliffin, Co. ...
  8. Waterville Golf Links, Co. ...
  9. K Club, Co. ...
  10. Mount Juliet, Co. ...

How many golf courses are there in Ireland?

What are best golf regions in Ireland & which one is right for you?

  • South West Ireland. This region put Irish golf on the map globally and is centered around County Kerry but also takes in courses in County Clare and also County Cork.
  • Dublin. ...
  • Northern Ireland. ...
  • West of Ireland. ...
  • Donegal. ...

What are links golf courses?

A links is the oldest style of golf course, first developed in Scotland. Links courses are generally built on sandy coastland that offers a firmer playing surface than parkland and heathland courses.

What is the difference between a golf course and a links?

The difference between a links golf course and a regular course is that the golfer is forced to work with the natural elements of the course. The links course is not manufactured and maintains the original lay of the land. This emulates how it was in the earliest days of the game.

Why is it called a links golf course?

Links course The term derives from the Old English word hlinc meaning rising ground or ridge and refers to sandy area along coast. While many courses claim to be links, call themselves links-style, or have the word links in their name, the category is more specific than that.

Is links slang for golf course?

The term, “links” has two meanings within golf. It is used generally to refer to the course that golf is played on. A golfer might say to a friend of hers, “sorry, I can't come over and collect kindling with you because I'm going to hit the links today.

Is Augusta a links course?

MacKenzie and Bobby Jones, both having studied the Old Course, created Augusta National on the links principle of giving players options.

What are the two types of golf courses?

Most American courses fall into one of three main types.Links Course. Golf originated in Scotland, and links golf, too, has its roots in Scotland. ... Parkland Course. ... Desert Course. ... Executive Course. ... Regulation Course. ... Municipal Course. ... Daily-fee Course. ... Semi-private Course.More items...•

Is Pebble Beach a true links course?

In fact, less than 1% of all the golf layouts in the world would be defined as “true links,” with just a handful in the U.S. Many of the most famous American golf destinations – including Pebble Beach, Whistling Straits and the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island – are links-style courses.

Why do golfers yell mashed potatoes?

It's a good one to yell, because it's nice and quick and it means absolutely nothing. '

Is Whistling Straits a links course?

Whistling Straits is one of two 36-hole links-style golf courses associated with Destination Kohler, a luxury golf resort owned and operated by the Kohler Company in Kohler, Wisconsin.

Why do people say hitting the links?

You might hear the term “links golf” which refers to old-school type courses that are found in Europe. Links golf courses are usually flat and have bigger greens than most US courses. You might also hear “Let's hit the links” which just refers to going out and playing a round of golf.

What is links slang?

Link spelt L-I-N-K is a slang verb meaning to meet or connect with someone. It can be used to suggest a meeting such as: 'hey are you free to link tonight? Yeah let's link up.

What does it mean to hit a lick?

Hit-a-lick definition To earn a large sum of money in a short amount of time, usually illegally.

What is the number one golf course in Ireland?

The number one golf course in the Republic of Ireland is The European Club in County Wicklow, according to the Golf Monthly UK&I Top 100 Golf Cours...

How many golf courses are there in Ireland?

Ireland has a total of 494 golf courses according to 'Golf Around the World 2019', which was released by The R&A.

What is the oldest golf course in Ireland?

Royal Curragh Golf Club in County Kildare is home to the oldest golf course in Ireland. The course sits on the Curragh plains, which is the oldest...

Where is Waterville Golf Links?

With a location on the world-famous Ring of Kerry, Waterville Golf Links has it all: a heady combination of dunes, gorse and native grasses, sod-faced bunkers and subtle putting surfaces. Right on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, the landscape at Waterville changes color with the shifts in weather, making it look just as dramatic in clear sunshine as in cloud. According to Course Designer Tom Fazio, “Everything at Waterville is spectacular – the setting is one of the best that I have seen anywhere in golf”. Little wonder then that it regularly features as one of the top 100 courses in the world.

How many holes are there in Royal Portrush?

It may have started life with just 9 holes back in 1888, but it was only a matter of a year before Royal Portrush was an 18-hole charmer. Among others, Gary Player, Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson have stalked the greens here on Antrim's enchanted coast while the "Royal" part of the club’s name derives from its patron, the Prince of Wales (later to be known as King Edward). When 2011 PGA champ Keegan Bradley arrived here for the Irish Open in 2012 he described it as a homecoming. You may well relate. The course had a major upgrade before The 148th Open, the world’s oldest Major, was held there in 2019.

How many golf courses are there in Ireland?

According to the R&A's Golf Around the World 2019 report, there are 494 golf courses across the entire island ...

When did golf start in Ireland?

During the nineteenth century the Republic of Ireland, or Éire, was part of the United Kingdom and records state that British troops brought golf to the Emerald Isle in the 1850s.

What is Ballyliffin Golf Club?

Ballyliffin Golf Club is often described as “the Ballybunion of the North” or “the Dornoch of Ireland” and the reason is simple; all the aforementioned are set amidst towering natural sand dunes.

How many courses are there in Northern Ireland?

We believe there are approximately 100 courses in Northern Ireland, therefore the Republic of Ireland may lay claim to around 400 courses (give or take) which are scatted far and wide across the Emerald Isle.

When was Curragh Golf Club founded?

The Curragh Golf Club (now Royal Curragh Golf Club after the club finally decided in 2013 to use the royal title that was granted in 1910) was founded in 1858, twenty-three years before the formation of Royal Belfast (1881) and twenty-seven years before the formation of Royal Dublin (1885).

Who built the Trump International Golf Links?

Trump International Golf Links - Ireland. Doonbeg is the course that Greg Norman built, but it was redesigned by Martin Hawtree over a two-year period after the property was acquired in 2014 by Donald Trump and renamed Trump International Golf Links.

Where is the European Club?

The European Club is located in the garden of Ireland, between the coastal towns of Wicklow and Arklow, about 30 miles south of Dublin. Read More >>.

At Discovering Ireland we have put together a list of Ireland's best golf courses ideal for the perfect golf trip

Review our guide to golf in Ireland, check out the many golf resorts and Golf Hotels in Ireland and begin planning your golfing vacation to Ireland.

North West

We offer pre-booked, pre paid and guaranteed tee times at preferential rates with many of the Ireland golf courses for Ireland Golf vacations. However, to cover our costs a nominal booking fee of €10 per tee time reservation applies.

Get discounts and updates for Discovering Ireland Vacations

Sign up now for the official Discovering Ireland Vacations Update e-newsletter, designed to keep you up-to-date on what's new and exciting at Discovering Ireland and indeed in Ireland travel itself! You will also be among the first to know about our great special offers, vacation in Ireland deals and trip to Ireland cost!

When was Portmarnock Golf Links built?

A Bernhard Langer design built in 1995, Portmarnock Golf Links doesn't have the historical pedigree of its neighboring club. Instead, the 6,444-meter course (roughly 7,050 yards) excels in offering a welcoming atmosphere and more affordable green fee.

How many Irish Opens are there at Portmarnock?

The 27-hole Portmarnock Golf Club, which dates to 1894, has hosted 13 Irish Opens in the modern era of the European Tour, crowning champions from Ben Crenshaw in 1976 to Jose Maria Olazabal in 1990 and Michael Campbell in 2003.

How many yards is the Jameson golf course?

Instead, the 6,444-meter course (roughly 7,050 yards) excels in offering a welcoming atmosphere and more affordable green fee. The land used to be part of the Jameson family's private golf course, developed in 1858 as one of the earliest golf courses in Ireland.

What is links golf?

A links course is the oldest type of golf course, which was first developed in Scotland . “Links” refers to areas of coastal sand and dunes, which are characteristic of many courses on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, for example. If you’re looking for the best affordable golf courses in Ireland, it’s best to go anywhere from April through October.

How many holes are there in Enniscrone Golf Club?

The golf course now boasts 27 holes, thanks to an additional extension in the early 2000s.

How many acres are there in Rosslare Golf Club?

The course at the Rosslare Golf Club is considered by many to be typical of an old-fashioned links course. It was founded in 1905 as an 18-hole course on 58 acres, but members quickly realized that the area was too small for such a course and by the mid-1920s, a new 18-hole was built.

How many holes are there in the Wild Atlantic Way?

While this gem on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way is only a 9-hole, the stunning scenery more than makes up for it. The course is located next to the Blue-flag Keel Strand. As you play the course, you’ll get fantastic views of the nearby Slievemore mountain, Blacksod Bay as well as the Nephin mountain range.

Is golf played in November in Ireland?

However, due to Ireland’s temperate climate, you could get some fine days in November when an invigorating game of golf is all that is needed to get the body moving and to enjoy the beautiful Irish scenery that is a big part of the golf experience in Ireland.

Where is the oldest golf course in Ireland?

59 Royal Belfast Golf Club (SAME) The oldest golf club in Ireland, a visit to Royal Belfast offers a step back in time. Situated on the scenic southern shore of Belfast Lough, this Harry Colt gem has seen less tinkering than most since its inception.

What is the second course at Druids Glen?

The second course at the outstanding Druids Glen resort is a tough challenge which requires pinpoint accuracy to hold the invariably raised green sites, with the golden fescues and gorse defining the course. www.druidsglenresort.com

Where is Roganstown in Dublin?

Coming in at 100 is Roganstown in north Co Dublin, an elegant country house hotel with a beautifully manicured golf course, which features mature trees, lush fairways and plenty of water to test all levels of golfer. www.roganstown.com

How many yards is Strandhill Golf Club?

63 Strandhill Golf Club (SAME) At just over 6,300 yards in length, Strandhill is short by modern standards. Yet it is a links course with a terrific variety of challenging shots and dramatic scenery to provide one of the west coast’s most beautiful links settings. www.strandhillgolfclub.com.

What is the name of the 5th hole in Murvagh?

Often referred to as the Muirfield of Ireland, Murvagh in Donegal is a challenge to even the most accomplished golfer. Panoramic views of the Atlantic and Donegal Bay make this a truly enjoyable course and one which Darren Clarke rates very highly. The memorable 5th hole, aptly named ‘The Valley of Tears’, has brought many a great round to a halt. www.donegalgolfclub.ie

What river runs through Wicklow?

This picturesque Wicklow course has been described as ‘Ireland’s Augusta’. It makes wonderful use of the Avoca and Aughrim rivers that run throughout, which makes it very worthy of a place on this list. www.woodenbridge.ie

Where is Phil Mickelson's golf course?

One of Phil Mickelson’s favourite golf courses in the world, golf at Lahinch dates back to 1882 and it’s hard not to marvel at how well the early pioneers carved out so many great holes from the natural terrain. Today, Lahinch plays host to the South of Ireland every year and the course is one of the spiritual homes of Irish amateur golf. With its naturally rugged linksland, overlooking Liscannor Bay, Lahinch is worthy of its place within the Top 5. www.lahinchgolf.com

image