Links Golf Courses
Links play in Northern Ireland is the closest to an extreme sport golf can get.
Playing a Northern Ireland links course is an experience like no other. That edge of the world feeling, with nothing between you and Iceland but a thousand miles of Atlantic surf, a bracing wind that can turn from ally to adversary in a second, and immense sand dunes hiding all manner of pitfalls and possibilities.
No wonder then that Northern Ireland’s finest links courses are well regarded and held in such high esteem across the world of international golf. Our two finest, Royal County Down and Royal Portrush, regularly feature in top golfing polls across the world, and have hosted many elite international events such as the British Seniors Open and British Open in their prestigious histories.
Yet, because this is Northern Ireland, even courses of this calibre warmly welcome the intrepid visitor. Here you can indulge your dreams and try your hand at the challenges that have tested the very best golfers in the world. That said, every one of our links courses has plenty to tax the talents of even the most adept player. Portstewart and Castlerock are already tricky enough without the added distraction of phenomenal views. How can you keep your eye on the ball when the vistas are so compelling?
Play any of these courses and you’ll soon discover why Northern Ireland has produced so many world class golfers including David Feherty, the late, great Fred Daly, Graeme McDowell and recently joining the professional ranks, Rory McIlroy. Darren Clarke ranks Royal Portrush among his favourite courses, together with Royal County Down, favourite of world champions such as Tiger Woods.
With the challenging course layouts, the unpredictable conditions and the gnarling North Atlantic winds, links golf in Northern Ireland is a stern test of both ability and endurance. The pleasures and rigours of links golf are no longer a secret, so why not give it a go...
Royal Portrush Golf Course
As you walk in the footsteps of Arnold Palmer and Gary Player, feel the spray of sea on your face and imagine the roar of the gallery, its easy to see why so many of golf’s great players have enjoyed the magnificent Championship Links at Royal Portrush.
- 18 Hole Dunluce Links Course, 6818 yd. Par 72
- 18 Hole Valley Links Course, 6273 yd. Par 70
Portstewart Golf Course
For the travelling Golfer it’s a must, with classic links and towering sand dunes complimented by stunning views across the bay to the Donegal Hills. A true Championship links course with fast greens in excellent condition all year round.
- 18 Hole Strand Course, 6895 yd. Par 72
- 18 Hole Links Course, 5725 yd. Par 68
- 18 Hole ‘Old’ Links Course, 4,733 yd. Par 64
Castlerock Golf Course
Set among rolling sand dunes, enjoying views of the River Bann flowing out to the Atlantic. On a clear day you can see as far as scotland and the Isle of islay, as well as eye catching views of Donegal.
- 18 Hole Mussenden Links Course, 6747 yd. Par 73
- 9 Hole Bann Links Course, 5876 yd. Par 70 (18 Holes)
Bushfoot Golf Course
- 9 Hole Links Course, 6001 yd. Par 70 (18 Holes)
Gracehill Golf Course
Gracehill Golf Course is considered to be one of the top 18 hole parkland courses in Ulster, if not all Ireland. Nestling in beautiful parkland outside the village of Stranocum near Ballymoney. It offers golfers the opportunity to sample American style water hazards as well as bringing many mature trees into play.