Portstewart (Old)

Featuring seven par threes and no par fives, the 4890-yard Old course at Portstewart Golf Club is where it all began for the club in 1894, at the opposite side of the town to its other two courses.

In the book Hooked, author Kevin Markham writes about the course: “it does not introduce you to rip-roaring design or huge challenges – rather, it is a course for perfect holiday entertainment.

At par 64 that’s not exactly surprising. There is fun to be had, especially on the opening five holes that are so close to the seashore and rocks, you’re likely to get wet. Little dunes rumble along, throwing up good shapes.

The holes are quirky and basic links-type holes with small, simple greens (and) the par threes can be a bundle of laughs in the wind.”

It was announced in the summer of 2022 that European Golf Design had been appointed to develop a master plan for all three 18-hole courses and practice facilities at Portstewart with the initial focus on the last three holes of the Strand layout.

EGD’s Jeremy Slessor was quoted as saying: “to have the chance to elevate the Strand’s course’s reputation to even greater heights is a genuine privilege. There’s enormous potential to add value to the Riverside course and we hope that the Old course can also benefit from a fresh, modern eye.”