Royal Portrush: A Legendary Links Awaits

Perched along the stunning Antrim Coast of Northern Ireland, Royal Portrush Golf Club is a masterpiece of links golf, offering a breathtaking yet formidable challenge to golfers of all skill levels. Carved into rolling dunes and framed by the wild Atlantic, this historic track has tested the world's best for over a century.

Fast Facts

Location: Country Atrim, Northern Ireland
Accessibility: Public
Year Opened: 1888
Architect: Harry Colt
Par: 72
Yardage: 7,333
Championships Hosted: The Open (2), Amateur Championship (3), British Ladies' Amateur Championship (9), Senior British Open (6), Irish Open (4)

Rich Championship History

Royal Portrush has a proud and storied tradition of hosting major championships and prestigious amateur events, solidifying its place among the world’s premier golf venues. Since its founding in 1888, the club has welcomed many of the game's top competitors across a wide range of tournaments, and is set to host the 2025 Open Championship for the third time in the course's history.

Royal Portrush has been the stage for notable events such as The Amateur Championship, The Senior Open Championship, The Women's British Open, and The British Boys' Championship, among others. This diverse championship pedigree highlights the club's enduring appeal and its ability to test every aspect of a golfer's game, from precision shot-making to mental resilience against the elements. 

A Links Masterpiece

Royal Portrush is the work of renowned course architect Harry Colt, who redesigned the Dunluce Links in 1929, transforming it into the championship layout we know today. Colt’s vision emphasized natural landforms, creating holes that seamlessly blend into the rugged coastal landscape while demanding strategic shot-making.

The course has undergone several renovations, most notably ahead of The Open’s return in 2019. To accommodate modern tournament play, course architect Martin Ebert oversaw changes that included the creation of two new holes—the par-5 7th and the par-4 8th—which replaced the previous 17th and 18th holes. These changes not only lengthened the course but also enhanced its flow, making for an even more dramatic finishing stretch.

Signature Holes - A True Links Challenge

Royal Portrush is widely regarded as one of the most challenging and picturesque links courses in the world. With its undulating fairways, deep bunkers, and unpredictable coastal winds, every round is a unique experience. Here are a few standout holes:

Hole 5 – White Rocks (Par 4, 374 yards)
A breathtaking risk-reward hole that plays along the cliffs, where any errant shot can find the beach far below.

Hole 16 – Calamity Corner (Par 3, 236 yards)
One of the most famous par-3s in golf, featuring an all-carry shot over a deep chasm to a green that slopes away from players.

Hole 17 – Purgatory (Par 4, 408 yards)
A tough closing stretch begins here, with a demanding tee shot and a well-protected green.

How Can I Play Royal Portrush in Real Life?

For those who want to experience Royal Portrush beyond GOLF+, the course is open to visitors.

Both the Dunluce Links and Valley Links courses at Royal Portrush are open to the public from April 1 - October 31 and have specified available tee times during select days of the week.

As one of the most sought-after tee times in the world, bookings for the Dunluce Links are typically made well in advance and range from $320 - $450, depending on the season.

Play Royal Portrush in GOLF+

Royal Portrush is now available in GOLF+, allowing players to test their skills on one of the most revered courses in the world. Whether you’re prepping for The Open, looking to master Calamity Corner, or simply soaking in the coastal beauty, this course delivers an incredible experience.