Lahinch Golf Club is situated next to the lovely beach of Liscannor Bay. It's an enchanting place to play golf... rugged, distinctive, unusually varied and immensely entertaining.
Lahinch Golf Club (Old)
Lahinch Golf Club is situated next to the lovely beach of Liscannor Bay. It's an enchanting place to play golf... rugged, distinctive, unusually varied and immensely entertaining.
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A familiar story is told across the fabled Old course at Lahinch where Old Tom Morris (possibly the finest first generation architect at harnessing and utilising the qualities that the natural terrain provided) once again weaved his mercurial magic across the rich ground he was asked to build a golf course upon.
His courses were often titivated by the greats of the golden age once the game had become more popular and innovations had emerged in regard to building and maintaining golf courses. Alister Mackenzie came to prominence during that time and was from the same school; a purist and a believer that the qualities of the land should be utilised and maximised rather than crafted artificially. In 1927 he took Old Tom’s design (retaining some of the most notable features such as the 4th and 5th holes named ‘Klondyke’ and ‘The Dell’) and met the brief put to him which was to move the golf course closer to the coastline and to utilise some of the most dramatic land. At the same time he crafted some bold greens which were met with an air of scepticism by the locals. Whilst his routing changes and the new holes he created received admiring comments, the contours on the putting surfaces were decided to be too bold and subsequently softened in the late 1930’s. Martin Hawtree completed the evolutionary process around the millennium, with the brief to reinvigorate the Mackenzie DNA of the course and the green sites. That work was well received and has resulted in Lahinch being regularly viewed as one of very finest and boldest links in world golf across the various ranking lists.
Much like Old Tom’s beloved St Andrews, Lahinch is a golfing place, a town where the finer points of the game are discussed and enthused over at length in the bars and coffee shops and imaginary swings are taken on the nearby beach and waiting in line for the local bus. The land here is more dramatic than the nuanced ground of St Andrews, with towering dunes and diving fairways offering quite the golfing spectacle. This is a golf course that takes you on a journey, that asks you to play heroic shots and at the same time gives you cause for optimism. The 1st hole is an absolute case in point. Measuring just 380 yards from the back tee with the welcoming cambered fairway defended by a pair of understated bunkers on the left side, this is a drive that allows you to ‘get one away’. The subsequent approach is not so welcoming however, playing uphill to a green that slopes towards you and the deep front bunkers short and right of the green. Anything other than a finely struck and well judged approach will leave you facing a literal uphill battle.
The opening nine holes occupy much of the land closest to the coastline and the dramatic undulations are also congregated in this part of the property. I’m not sure whether this is my favourite run of links golf in the world, and defining ‘greatness’ is a nebulous concept at the best of times, but if I were to proffer a defining stretch of world class golf when viewed through the lens of excitement, variety and pure enjoyment of the shots you are asked to hit, this is as good as it gets. Every single hole offers smile inducing moments with blindness featuring in a number of places. I know unsighted play polarises people but in my view, it adds to the interest markedly if used sparingly as it is here, with the ebb and flow and consistency of intrigue at Lahinch embodying the core values of my sort of brand of golf.
Taking each hole in that run and identifying its key endearing features was a fun exercise in reminiscing about my visit. The approach across the crumpled and bunker strewn ground to the par-5 2nd is perilous, whether that be with your second or third blow. The anticipation and uncertainty around the blind tee shot played through shrugging dune shoulders at the 3rd is followed by similar feelings of unsighted trepidation, with the second shot at the unforgettable par-5 ‘Klondyke’ and the mind boggling approach to the short par-3 ‘The Dell’, where the green is sunken side on and out of view between two dunes. The 6th is a test of ball striking and endurance, played out towards the Atlantic and into the prevailing wind, with the green site framed as if envisioned by an artist. The approach shot at the 7th takes you to the precipice, teetering above the beach and offering you a moment of peaceful reflection. The par-3 8th green has an element of Redan to it, feeding in from right to left around a left-sided bunker and the par-4 9th is sneakily one of my favourite holes on the course with a diagonal ridge combining with a solitary bunker by the green to offer plenty of strategic intrigue. Hopefully that paragraph has left you as breathless as the golf did me on this first visit..
Typically an architect has two options with a property such as this with an expansive coastal frontage. Either you dip in and out of the views and the drama and try to space that semi-evenly throughout the round, or you go hard on either nine, exposing the player to extensive run of block busting golf in a more traditional out and back arrangement. I think the biggest compliment I can give to the back nine at Lahinch is that while I knew much of the headline making golf was behind me as I made the turn for home, I felt no less inspired to play the golf ahead of me as the round progressed. The triangle of golf between the 11th and 13th was my favoured corner of the back nine, offering more of that playful temptation (and still glimpses of coastal drama) and also on the face of it, a chance to make some gains in regard to the scorecard. However it is the trio of lengthy par-4’s that come in a four hole stretch at 14,15 and 17 that offer a jolting realisation that there is plenty of testing golf left to be played, making the return to the house a treachorous one.
Lahinch slots into my own personal list at the very highest echelons of courses I have seen on my travels. When rating golf courses it is important to understand one’s own biases and I know that I have a penchant for rugged and natural links golf. I would however suggest that the sheer magnitude of the drama transcends any genres or tastes. It would be foolhardy to file this course under the ‘quirky links’ banner and it should instead be seen as an absolute masterpiece of architectural craftsmanship in a links environment. A lot is owed to this gorgeous piece of land on the Atlantic coast, but as we all know from our travels, not all golfing canvasses are born equal and the very best golf courses engender an affection that is often linked to the environment, the views and the seemingly random undulations that have been crafted by the winds and the sea. Lahinch possesses an abundance of riches in that regard and its beauty will I’m sure leave you daydreaming about a return.
Alex Frolish
Round Information
Standout Holes
#5, #9, #13
Rating Breakdown
Strategy
Facilities & Amenities
For golfers planning their first serious links trip, the choice often comes down to two destinations: Scotland or Ireland. Both offer some of the finest links courses in the world, dramatic coastal landscapes, historic clubs and enough quality to fill several days without playing the same type of golf twice. Scotland has the strongest claim to being the home of the game, with St Andrews, Muirfield, Carnoustie and Royal Dornoch among its headline acts. Ireland, meanwhile, can counter with Royal County Down, Royal Portrush, Ballybunion, Lahinch and Rosapenna. There is no wrong answer. But if you only have one major links trip to make, which country should come first? The Headline Courses Scotland has an almost unfair collection of famous links. The Old Course at St Andrews remains the obvious pilgrimage, while Muirfield, Turnberry Ailsa, Royal Dornoch and Carnoustie provide four very different reasons to keep travelling beyond the Home of Golf. North Berwick and Kingsbarns add further depth, and there is no shortage of excellent options once you move away from the biggest names. Ireland has an equally compelling collection. Royal County Down’s Championship course currently sits at No.1 in the Top100 GB&I ranking, with Royal Portrush at No.3, Ballybunion, Lahinch and Rosapenna Golf Resort’s St Patrick's Links adding further heavyweight options. That means neither country is short of a bucket-list course. Scotland perhaps has the deeper bench of instantly recognisable names, but Ireland can comfortably match it at the very top. Winner: Scotland The Links Experience The character of the golf is one of the biggest differences between the two destinations. Scotland gives you an extraordinary range of links experiences. The Old Course at St Andrews is steeped in history, Carnoustie has its fearsome reputation, Royal Dornoch delivers a more remote Highland setting, while North Berwick and Turnberry offer their own very different takes on seaside golf. Ireland's great strength is the way its links interact with the landscape. At Royal County Down, the Mountains of Mourne provide a spectacular backdrop. Royal Portrush winds through some of the biggest dunes in the British Isles, while Ballybunion, Lahinch and Rosapenna put the Atlantic firmly into the equation. That doesn't necessarily make Ireland's golf better, but it does give many of its standout courses a particularly strong sense of place. The landscape is part of the experience of playing the course. For golfers looking for variety, Scotland has the edge. For those who want their links golf to feel wild and dramatic, Ireland takes the cake. Winner: Ireland Building The Perfect Itinerary For the travelling golfer, the quality of individual courses is only half the equation. The other question is how easily you can string them together. This is one of Scotland's greatest strengths. A St Andrews trip can be built around the Old Course and supplemented by the six other courses at the St Andrews Links complex (New, Jubilee, Castle, Eden, Balgove, and Strathtyrum), alongside Kingsbarns Golf Links and Crail Golfing Society. An East Lothian trip can combine Muirfield with North Berwick, Gullane and Dunbar. Further west, the Ayrshire coast offers Turnberry, Royal Troon, Prestwick and Western Gailes. Then there is the Highlands, where Royal Dornoch, Castle Stuart and Nairn provide the foundations for another outstanding trip. Ireland has excellent clusters of its own. Dublin and the east coast provide several strong options, while the southwest combines Ballybunion, Lahinch and Waterville. Further north, Royal County Down and Royal Portrush provide the kind of double act that could justify an entire trip. But Scotland gives you more ways to construct the itinerary. You can build a four-day trip around one region or spend a week travelling between some of the game's most famous courses without running out of options. Winner: Scotland The Scenery and Atmosphere Both countries offer more than enough scenery to make the journey worthwhile, but they create very different kinds of golf trips. Scotland has the history and sense of occasion. A day at St Andrews can feel like a pilgrimage, while travelling through East Lothian or Ayrshire takes you between courses that have been part of the game for generations. Ireland's appeal is slightly less about pilgrimage and more about exploration. The best trips often involve following the coastline, travelling between small towns and remote clubs, and arriving at courses where the dunes and sea dominate the view. The golf can feel like part of a wider road trip, with the day's round followed by a trip to the pub to dissect it. Scotland has the stronger sense of golfing history, but Ireland arguably offers the more rounded sense of adventure. Winner: Ireland Value for Money Neither Scotland nor Ireland is a destination for the golfer looking for a bargain-basement holiday. The headline courses can command substantial visitor fees, particularly during the summer, but neither country requires you to play the most expensive courses every day. Scotland's depth is particularly useful, with an enormous range of courses allowing you to mix marquee names with excellent, less expensive links. That depth also means you can build an itinerary around value rather than simply ticking off the most famous names. Ireland competes strongly, particularly if you are prepared to venture beyond its biggest tourist destinations. But Scotland's sheer number of quality options makes it easier to put together a varied trip without paying a premium every day. Winner: Scotland The Verdict For your first links trip, choose Scotland. It has the history, depth, variety and concentration of world-class courses to make almost any itinerary work. The Old Course alone is enough to justify the journey, but Scotland's greatest strength is what comes after it. There are enough outstanding links to turn one trip into several without simply repeating the same experience. Ireland is the destination to choose when you want something a little more adventurous. Its great links are often dramatic, windswept and surrounded by scenery that can be as memorable as the golf itself. Royal County Down, Royal Portrush, Ballybunion, Lahinch and Rosapenna form an extraordinary collection, and the wider experience of travelling around the island only adds to the appeal. So Scotland wins the first-trip argument. But once you've made the journey, Ireland won't be far behind on the list.
Ireland holds roughly a quarter of all natural links courses in the world, and the quality runs astonishingly deep. From the towering dunes of Donegal to the Atlantic-battered coastline of County Kerry, the island offers a concentration of world-class golf that rivals anywhere on the planet. Six Irish courses currently sit in the World Top 100, and more than twenty contend for places in the GB&I Top 100 — a depth bettered only by England and Scotland. See the Island of Ireland Ranking See the Republic of Ireland Ranking See the Northern Ireland Ranking Top 100 Golf Courses has ranked Ireland's golf courses biennially since 2006, tracking two decades of evolution across the Republic's twenty-six counties and, separately, Northern Ireland's six. That ongoing process has charted the rise of new architectural masterpieces, multi-million euro renovations, and the enduring dominance of courses that have occupied the summit since rankings began. 2026 Republic of Ireland Update Ballybunion Old, Lahinch Old, Rosapenna St Patrick's Links and Portmarnock all hold their positions, reinforcing two decades of consistency at the summit. Four Republic of Ireland courses sit in the World Top 100, and sixteen feature in the GB&I Top 100 — a depth that underlines the country's status as one of the premier golf destinations on the planet. Brittas Bay Club (formerly The European Club) has been removed while its comprehensive Kyle Phillips redesign takes shape ahead of a planned 2027 reopening. Curracloe Links, a potential future game-changer for the Republic, is also flagged as one to watch but remains outside the current rankings. ⬆️ The Rising Stars Portsalon is the headline climber. Situated on a remote stretch of County Donegal coastline, Portsalon's rise further strengthens the county's extraordinary concentration of quality, with five Donegal courses now in the Republic's top twenty-five. Ballyliffin Old continues to gain recognition and climbs to seventeenth. The K Club Palmer North also rises. Carne, Tralee, Enniscrone, Narin & Portnoo, Rosapenna Old Tom Morris and Galway Bay all rise - in part due to The European Club being removed. ⬇️ Notable Adjustments Adare Manor slips three places to fourteen — a reflection of the updated criteria's emphasis on the golf itself rather than resort polish, though the Tom Fazio redesign remains Ireland's premier parkland course and 2027 Ryder Cup venue. Old Head drops four to 21, while Cork eases two places to twenty-four. 🏆 Irish Rankings - A Historical Glance The Unchanging Summit Ballybunion Old has held the number one position in the Republic of Ireland rankings since the inaugural 2006 edition — an unbroken twenty-year reign. Largely anonymous until Tom Simpson and Molly Gourlay's 1930s intervention, the course gained worldwide prominence after Tom Watson's famous visit in 1981. A major greens replacement project by Atlantic Golf Construction, overseen by architect Graeme Webster, has only strengthened its standing. Lahinch Old, Waterville, The European Club and Portmarnock have been near-permanent fixtures in the upper reaches. For fourteen consecutive years, gaining entry to the top five was, as our 2020 article noted, "a very tough nut to crack." ⬆️ The Course That Broke Through That changed dramatically in 2022 when Rosapenna St Patrick's Links crashed into the rankings at number three — the highest new entry in the history of our Ireland listings. Designed by Tom Doak of Renaissance Golf Design with lead associate Eric Everson, Clyde Johnson and Angela Moser, the course was built on 300 acres of spectacular Donegal dunescape previously occupied by two mediocre layouts. Opened in 2021, it immediately rewrote the top-five hierarchy. 🌍 Ireland's World-Class Depth The island's representation at the highest levels of world golf is remarkable. Six courses — Royal County Down, Royal Portrush Dunluce, Ballybunion Old, Lahinch, Rosapenna St Patrick's and Portmarnock — all feature in the World Top 100. The overwhelming character is links golf. Ireland's Atlantic-facing coastlines provide the ideal combination of sandy soil, undulating terrain and prevailing wind that defines the links game at its purest. Adare Manor breaks the mould as the top-ranked parkland entry, demonstrating that world-class inland golf also has its place on the island. County Kerry and County Donegal dominate the upper reaches of the rankings, but quality is genuinely distributed. Dublin's links courses — Portmarnock, The Island, Royal Dublin, and County Louth — provide accessible world-class golf close to the capital. The west coast, from County Sligo to Enniscrone to Carne, offers some of the most naturally dramatic links terrain anywhere. And the hidden gems — Cruit Island, Dunfanaghy, Strandhill — continue to climb as more golfers discover their charms. What the Rankings Tell Us Consistency at the Summit Ballybunion Old's twenty-year hold on the top position is extraordinary by any measure. The same small group of courses — Ballybunion, Lahinch, Waterville, Portmarnock, The European Club — have anchored the top tier since 2006, with only Rosapenna St Patrick's managing to break the stranglehold. This stability reflects the enduring quality of Ireland's classic links designs, many of which trace their architectural lineage through Tom Simpson, Alister MacKenzie, Old Tom Morris and Harry Colt. The Donegal Renaissance County Donegal has emerged as perhaps the most exciting golfing region in Ireland. The arrival of Rosapenna St Patrick's transformed the county's reputation, but the story is broader. Narin & Portnoo's Hanse-Wagner reimagination, the steady rise of Rosapenna's Old Tom Morris course, the cult appeal of Cruit Island, and the rediscovery of Dunfanaghy have collectively established Donegal as a destination to rival Kerry and Clare. Architecture Driving Change The biggest ranking movements have consistently been driven by architectural intervention. Tom Fazio's work at Adare Manor, Tom Doak's creation at St Patrick's Links, Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner's remodelling at Narin & Portnoo, and Mackenzie & Ebert's master plan at The Island all demonstrate that thoughtful design investment — whether building new or reimagining existing layouts — is the most reliable path to ranking advancement. The Authentic Links Resurgence Shorter, quirkier courses with genuine strategic interest have gained ground, while lavish resort courses, though still excellent places to visit, have seen their rankings adjust. As the new criteria emphasises, budget size has not been the deciding factor, but rather memorable, engaging golf is what matters. 📅 A Decade of Growth: 2010–2025 2010: Your Top 100 — The People's Rankings The 2010 "Your Top 100 Golf Courses in Ireland" was a distinctive edition — a crowd-sourced ranking based entirely on player review ratings rather than the dedicated panellist approach used in other years. Published alongside companion lists for Scotland, England and Wales, it was part of a wider "Your Britain & Ireland Top 100" exercise that number-crunched thousands of golf ball ratings submitted by the Top100 community. The European Club, Tralee, Ballybunion Old and Rosapenna Sandy Hills all featured prominently in the combined GB&I list. 2012: The Republic's Own Top 100 The dedicated Republic of Ireland Top 100 was updated with Ballybunion Old maintaining its familiar position at the summit, continuing the dominance established in 2006. The established order remained largely intact, with the same core group of links courses holding the upper tier. 2014: Stability and Steady Progress The 2014 update continued the biennial cycle with Ballybunion Old once again unchallenged at number one. The top five remained the same handful of courses that had occupied those positions since the rankings began, reinforcing the extraordinary consistency at the summit of Irish golf. 2018: The Seventh Biennial Revision The 2018 edition brought seven new entries into the Top 100. Notably, Adare Manor was absent from the table, its course closed and under complete reconstruction as the Tom Fazio redesign took shape. 2020: Adare Manor Returns and Seven Newcomers The headline story was unmistakable: Adare Manor's re-emergence at number fourteen following its multi-million euro Tom Fazio transformation. The old Robert Trent Jones Sr. course had been entirely replaced, with Atlantic Golf Construction installing new drainage, new greens and sand-capped fairways to create what is now one of the best-maintained courses in all of Ireland. The Ryder Cup 2027 announcement added further lustre. Seven new entries in total, with Hogs Head the highest newcomer at thirty-four Luttrellstown Castle climbed eight places to forty-eight, entering the national top fifty for the first time Cruit Island surged fifteen places to sixty-five, gaining cult status among visiting golfers Royal Dublin rose four places to twenty-three, with Clayton, DeVries & Pont appointed for a bunker renovation 2022: Rosapenna St Patrick's Crashes the Top Five The ninth biennial revision produced the most dramatic shake-up in the rankings' history. Tom Doak's Rosapenna St Patrick's Links entered at number three — the first course to crack the established top-five fortress since rankings began. Narin & Portnoo climbed ten places to eighteen after its Hanse-Wagner reimagination. Further down, Cruit Island continued its rise (up twelve to fifty-three), Dunfanaghy surged twenty-six places to seventy-four, and Woodenbridge climbed twelve to seventy-one. 2025: New Criteria, New Philosophy The most recent update applied revised evaluation criteria that emphasised authentic golfing experiences over resort polish. Fifteen courses moved up five or more places. Traditional links courses rose sharply; parkland resort courses adjusted downward. Rosapenna Old Tom Morris broke into the top thirty, Royal Dublin into the top twenty, and the rankings signalled a clear direction: exciting, strategic golf — regardless of budget or amenities — is what defines Ireland's best. 🔭 Looking Ahead The comprehensive 2026 GB&I ranking overhaul, currently underway, will reassess every course across Britain and Ireland under updated criteria. The Ireland results are expected later this spring and will provide the most thorough evaluation yet of the island's golfing credentials. Several developments are worth watching. Brittas Bay Club — the Kyle Phillips redesign of Pat Ruddy's European Club — is set to reopen in 2027 with improved playability, expanded sea views and restored native ecosystems. The continued maturation of Rosapenna St Patrick's Links is widely regarded as still having significant upside. And with the Ryder Cup arriving at Adare Manor in 2027, the spotlight on Irish golf has never been brighter. Ballybunion Cashen continues enhancement work, and Rosapenna's Old Tom Morris course is gaining traction with every season. The depth of talent across Ireland's 400+ golf courses means the competition for ranking places will only intensify.
If you've not booked your tee times to the big six in Ireland for the summer rush of inbound overseas travellers, you might have left it a little late. However, bargains are still to be had and the shoulder seasons are a great way to enjoy the world's best at reduced rates. Royal Portrush is pretty much booked but we give you the top tip that can get you access to the Members only tee sheet. We give you all the important information for the big six and slip in a cheeky recommendation for fun links golf when you arrive or depart from Dublin... Check Out Our Top 100 Golf Courses Irish Rankings Island of Ireland Republic of Ireland Northern Ireland Province of Ulster Province of Munster Province of Leinster Province of Connacht How to Play St Patrick's Links Photo Credit - Clyde Johnson The best value of the entire lot, St Patrick's is only getting better. Compared to the other world-ranked courses, this is a bargain. If you haven't been yet, start planning now and make this the cornerstone of your trip. Friday, April 10th, 2026, is opening day. €350 for 18 holes or €120 if you can produce Irish ID. The course is open from April through October. How to Play Lahinch Golf Club - Old Course Photo Credit - Cody Cunningham April 22nd is opening day. €450 for 18 holes and caddies, or at least one fore caddy is required. The course is open from April through October 10th. There are still a handful of tee times available for visitors, but most are in the late afternoon... be quick to get one of the last remaining tee times. How to Play Portmarnock Golf Club Photo Credit - Gary Lisbon April 1st is opening day. €475 for 18 holes with lunch is included. Visitors' days are Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. The course is open through October 31st. The only civilised approach is to take the 36-hole offer and soak it all in. Ireland's Muirfield, Portmarnock, is an elite course and club. Tipped to host The Open in due course, the premier club in Dublin will only become more exclusive and tee times harder to get... now might be the best time to play before the rest of the world catches on. How to Play Ballybunion Golf Club - Old Photo Credit - Gary Lisbon €450 for 18 holes and visitors' days are Monday to Friday in the morning. Book here. The course is open through October. One of the highest-ranked links in Ireland, it is only bettered by Royal County Down and Royal Portrush. How to Play Royal County Down Golf Club - Championship Photo Credit - Gary Lisbon Available from mid-April (the 15th) to October, visitors are welcome on Mondays and Tuesdays, Thursday mornings, and Sunday afternoons. £450 for 18 holes. Book here. All the courses on the list need to be played once. If you're coming all this way, take a caddy, play from the forward tees and walk 36. How to Play Royal Portrush Golf Club - Dunluce Photo Credit - Gary Lisbon Available from April 1 to October 31, visitors are welcome every day except Wednesdays. Aligning with the other top-tier courses, it's £420 for 18 holes. Royal Portrush Member's Tee Times Here's the top tip to access the member's Tee Sheet - stay on-site at The Rosses. The new accommodation is superb and the best you'll find almost anywhere in Ireland - certainly the most stylish and modern dormie accommodation we've ever seen. Learn more. With a stay, you will be able to access the member's tee sheet - with the exception of certain dates (like Sunday afternoon at The Open...) Get in touch with the club for more details. Dublin's Undiscovered Gem - Corballis After a long haul flight and before taking on bucket list courses, most of us like a range session or perhaps a warm up round... One of the wee gems near Dublin is Corballis. With green fees from €25, the little links will get you off and running. Book a tee time. A great introduction to links golf if you've never been before, it'll soften the blow of stepping up to the first tee at Royal County Down with zero links exposure and a lifetime of American parkland golf under your belt...
The latest ranking of the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World serves as the ultimate global golf bucket list. Most members of our World Top 100 Panel are seasoned golfers, each playing 20-30 of these courses annually while travelling extensively over decades to form their opinions on others. We recognise that opinions vary—even among our panel members. Rankings are subjective, and there are undoubtedly 50 or more courses in the UK and USA alone that could easily fit onto this list. Links Golf Pilgrimages The rankings
California, United States
Michigan, United States
County Clare, Ireland
New York, United States
Scotland, United Kingdom
