Royal Portrush Golf Club: A Legendary Irish Course

ConnollyCove is here to guide you around some of the best golf courses in Ireland. Royal Portrush Golf Club is undeniably one of the most famous and challenging Irish courses.

Royal Portrush offers a 36-hole club with two linked courses, the championship Dunluce Links course and The Valley Links course.

We briefly mentioned it in our Golfing in Ireland blog, but there’s so much more to say about this brilliant Irish golf course. We are going to explore what Royal Portrush has to offer, from its fascinating history to its magnificent courses and the world golf events that have graced its greenery.

If you’re a golf fanatic, keep reading to learn more about The Royal Portrush Golf Club, located on the North Antrim Causeway Coast.

The History of Royal Portrush Golf Club

The famous Royal Portrush was founded in 1888, over 130 years ago. Originally known as “The County Club,” it was a miniature nine-hole course. However, a year later, it was extended to an eighteen-hole golf course.

Then, in 1892, when The Duke of York was patron, it became known as the Royal County Club for four years. This was considered unique, as many golf courses had to be around for a quarter of a century before being given the exclusive royal title.

The Royal Portrush Golf Club’ name was officially given in 1855 by its then Prince of Wales patron and has never been changed.

Royal Portrush was also one of the first golf courses in Ireland to host the prestigious ‘Open Championships in 1951, one of the oldest golf championships in the world. It saw English golfer Max Faulkner win the tournament that year.

The golf club has seen more than fifty national golfing championships, both Irish and British grace its courses over the years.

Royal Portrush and Women’s Golf

The golf club was influential in promoting women’s golf in Ireland. It was the first golf course outside Britain to host the British Ladies Championships in 1895. This helped to encourage Irish women to get involved in the sport, which was no longer seen as just a men’s sport.

The British Ladies Championship has been held at Royal Portrush Golf Cub on eight occasions, the last being in 2011. Each year of the tournament taking place here grew in popularity, with the crowd flocking to the club to see some of the best female golfers taking on the challenging world-class courses at Royal Portrush.

Home to a Championship Course – Dunluce Links

Many professional golfers and amateurs come from around the world to play on Dunluce Links, one of the world’s most excellent and testing golf courses. Golf Digest ranks it the second-best golf course in Northern Ireland and seventh in the World’s best golf course.

Dunluce Links has constantly remained in the top spot. The reason for this? Well, I’d say it has a lot to do with the magnificent course design that excites people, which is the fine work of Harry Colt, one of the greatest golf architects in the world.

Another reason why it’s a firm favourite is the striking coastal scenery surrounding it. It is, after all, named after the incredibly ruined Dunluce castle that overlooks the course.

Dunluce Links is acclaimed for its challenging hole after hole that puts the best of golfers to the test. It’s no easy course, twisting and turning at every corner, making for an exciting place to play.

The fourth, fifth and sixteenth holes are some of its signature holes. Visitors can play on the course during April and May.

Valley Links

The second course at Royal Portrush Golf Club is the hidden gem and less challenging Valley Links Course. This course certainly does not involve walking in the park, but compared to the championship Dunluce Links course, it offers a different experience.

As its name suggests, the course is between the vast sandy hills of the East Strand and the higher ground where the championship course is. Harry Colt also designed it, so you can expect the course to have its challenges, offering a good test of golf before moving onto the championship course.

Open Championships & Royal Portrush

In 1951, Royal Portrush Golf Club became the first club outside the United Kingdom to host the Open Championships.

The Open Championship is returning to Northern Ireland this year (2019) after 68 years since the last one. Royal Portrush will host the tournament for a second time, and some of the world’s greatest players will compete.

The 148th Open championship is scheduled to take place from 18-21 July, making Northern Ireland once again the centre of this global sporting tournament. Sporting fans are expected to flock to Portrush in their thousands to enjoy the world-class display.

It will be an exciting and enjoyable time for Northern Ireland, Golf fans and everyone who gets to soak up the atmosphere.

The Clubhouse and Facilities

The clubhouse at Royal Portrush exudes a sense of timeless elegance, blending traditional architecture with modern amenities. Inside, visitors will find a warm and welcoming atmosphere, adorned with memorabilia and photographs that chronicle the club’s illustrious history. The dining facilities offer a taste of local cuisine, with menus that celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Northern Ireland.

In addition to the main course, Royal Portrush also features the Valley Links, a challenging course in its own right. The Valley Links provides a different but equally rewarding experience, with its own unique set of challenges and scenic vistas. This secondary course allows members and visitors alike to enjoy a variety of golfing experiences within the same stunning location.

Check out the fantastic video below, showcasing just how spectacular Royal Portrush is! Those views are incredible!

 

A Legacy of Champions

Royal Portrush has been the proving ground for many of the game’s greatest players. From the early days of James Braid and J.H. Taylor to modern legends like Rory McIlroy, the course has witnessed countless memorable moments and historic achievements. McIlroy, a native of Northern Ireland, has often spoken of his deep affection for Royal Portrush, where he set the course record with a stunning round of 61 at the age of 16.

The club’s commitment to nurturing talent is evident in its support for junior golf programmes and its encouragement of local players. This dedication has helped foster a new generation of golfers who aspire to follow in the footsteps of the greats who have graced the fairways of Royal Portrush.

Opening Times and Prices

Dunluce Green –

• 1st January – 31st March – Closed
• April & May – Open but with ‘Play Mats’ in Operation
• June & July – Closed
• July 25th – October – Fee Price £220 Per Person
• November – December – Fee Price £90 Per Person

Visitor Times

Monday: Play after 2:00 pm
Tuesday: 9:40 – 11.50 / After 2:00 pm
Wednesday: 9:40 – 11:50 pm
Thursday: 9:40 – 11:50 / After 2:00 pm
Friday: 9:40 – 11:50am
Saturday: Play after 3:00 pm
Sunday: 10:30 – 11:50 / After 2:00 pm

Valley Green –

• 1st January – 31st August – Closed
• September – October – Open Fee Price £50 Per Person
• November – December – Open Fee Price £25 Per Person

Visitor Times

Monday: Before 9.00 am & after 11.00 am
Tuesday: Before 9.00 am & after 11.00 am
Wednesday: Before 9.00 am & after 10.30 am
Thursday: Before 9.00 am & after 10.30 am
Friday: Before 9.00 am & after 10.30 am
Saturday: After 2.00 pm
Sunday: After 2.00 pm

The Future of Royal Portrush

As Royal Portrush looks to the future, it remains committed to preserving its rich heritage while embracing modern innovations. The club continues to invest in the maintenance and enhancement of its courses and facilities, ensuring that it remains a world-class destination for golfers of all abilities.

The success of the 2019 Open Championship has also spurred discussions about future major tournaments. The positive reception from players, spectators, and the media has reinforced Royal Portrush’s reputation as a premier venue, and there is eager anticipation for future editions of The Open to be held on its storied links.

In addition to its focus on hosting major events, Royal Portrush is dedicated to promoting the game of golf at a grassroots level. The club’s initiatives to support junior golf, community engagement, and environmental sustainability reflect a commitment to ensuring that the sport continues to thrive for generations to come.

If you are planning a trip over to Northern Ireland for the golfing tournament, check out some terrific attractions near Royal Portrush Golf Club:

• Take a visit to the beautiful Whiterocks Beach.
• Explore the town of Bushmills, home of the famous Old Bushmills Whiskey Distillery.
• Adventure to the Giants Causeway and experience one of the world’s natural wonders.
•  Visit the charming Ballintoy Harbour, one of the Game of Thrones filming locations.

Conclusion

Royal Portrush Golf Club is more than just a golf course; it is a symbol of tradition, excellence, and natural beauty. Its storied past, challenging layout, and breathtaking setting make it a true gem in the world of golf. From its humble beginnings in the late 19th century to its current status as a premier international venue, Royal Portrush has remained steadfast in its commitment to the game and its values.

Whether you are a seasoned golfer seeking to test your skills on one of the world’s most challenging courses or a visitor looking to experience the rich history and stunning landscapes of Northern Ireland, Royal Portrush offers an unparalleled experience. It is a place where legends are born, memories are made, and the spirit of golf is celebrated in all its glory.

As the club continues to evolve and grow, it remains a beacon of excellence in the world of golf, inspiring future generations to embrace the game and appreciate the timeless beauty of Royal Portrush.

Also, don’t forget to let us know if you have ever played a round of golf at Royal Portrush Golf Club!