Royal Portrush Golf Club (Valley)

Northern Ireland punches well above its weight in world golf. This corner of the British Isles is home to two courses that regularly feature among the finest on the planet, a coastline that rivals anything Scotland or England can offer, and a depth of quality that surprises even seasoned links travellers. From the Mountains of Mourne to the Causeway Coast, the golf here is nothing short of extraordinary. The Top 100 Golf Courses Northern Ireland Ranking currently features 15 courses assessed by a dedicated panel of local experts. With 10 additional courses on the contenders list and plans to expand the ranking to 25, there has never been more reason to explore Northern Irish golf beyond the headline names. Alongside the standalone Northern Ireland ranking, courses from the region also feature in the Island of Ireland Ranking and the broader GB&I Top 100. The most recent 2025 update was a minor post-COVID refresh — a necessary recalibration after several disrupted seasons. The comprehensive 2026 GB&I ranking overhaul, currently underway, will reassess every course across Britain and Ireland under updated criteria, and the Northern Ireland results are expected later this spring. The Current Rankings: Northern Ireland's Top 15 The 2025 refresh kept the core order largely intact, while revised panellist guidance began to reshape the middle and lower reaches of the table. The shift towards rewarding exciting, strategic golf over pristine conditioning and resort polish is a theme that will accelerate further with the 2026 overhaul. 🏆 The Top 15 at a Glance The Unmoved Elite 🥇 Royal County Down (Championship) — The perennial number one contender. A World Top 100 fixture and, for many, the most beautiful golf course on earth. The outward nine beneath the Mountains of Mourne remains among the finest stretches of links golf anywhere. 🥈 Royal Portrush (Dunluce) — Host of The Open in 2019 and 2025, and the only Irish venue on the Championship rota. H.S. Colt's masterpiece continues to gain momentum in both the GB&I and World Rankings following Martin Ebert's hole revisions. 🥉 Portstewart (Strand) — Firmly established in the GB&I Top 100, the Strand retains third place. The front nine through towering Atlantic dunes has been called the finest nine holes in the British Isles. The Risers ⬆️ Royal Portrush (Valley) — Up following significant recent work to the opening three holes. Martin Ebert's redesign, including new par 3s, has elevated what Tom Doak once called "the most underrated golf course in Ireland." ⬆️ Castlerock (Mussenden) — The Causeway Coast's best-kept secret continues its steady climb. Martin Hawtree's renovation work has transformed the Ben Sayers original into a layout that more than holds its own alongside its celebrated neighbours. The Consistent Core Ardglass — A cult favourite with dramatic clifftop holes and the oldest clubhouse in the world (a 13th-century castle). Ken Kearney's routing changes and new holes are bedding in. Malone — Belfast's finest parkland holds its position. The 27-acre lake dominates the thrilling back nine, and recent upgrades continue to enhance an already impressive layout. Belvoir Park — Another Harry Colt design, this time a parkland gem tucked into Belvoir Forest just minutes from Belfast city centre. Old-world charm and mature tree-lined fairways define the experience. 🗺️ Best Golf Courses by County Northern Ireland's six counties each contribute something distinct to the golfing landscape. County Antrim dominates the upper reaches of the ranking with Royal Portrush (both Dunluce and Valley courses), Portstewart Strand, and Galgorm Castle. The Causeway Coast stretches from Portrush through Portstewart to Castlerock and represents one of the finest concentrations of links golf anywhere in the world. County Down claims the number one spot through Royal County Down's Championship links at Newcastle, along with Ardglass on the dramatic coastline. Belvoir Park adds Belfast-area parkland quality, while the Annesley links at Royal County Down offers an additional links experience following Mackenzie & Ebert's 2015 redesign. County Londonderry contributes both Castlerock courses — the Mussenden and the Bann — ensuring that the Causeway Coast's links pedigree extends well beyond Portrush and Portstewart. County Fermanagh is represented by Lough Erne's Faldo Course, the westernmost-ranked course and the only lakeside resort layout in the top 15. The setting on the Fermanagh Lakelands is unlike anything else in Northern Irish golf. 💡 What the Rankings Tell Us Links Golf Reigns Supreme The top six positions are all occupied by links courses, underlining Northern Ireland's coastal strength. This is a region where the best golf is found on natural terrain shaped by wind and sea rather than by earth-moving machinery. The Causeway Coast Triangle Royal Portrush, Portstewart, and Castlerock form one of the great links triangles in world golf. All three sit within a 15-minute drive of each other along the north Antrim and Londonderry coastline, making this stretch an essential destination for any serious links golfer. Parklands Under Pressure The updated ranking criteria have seen polished parkland and resort courses lose ground — a theme echoed across other Top 100 regional rankings. Courses that deliver exciting, strategic golf have gained at the expense of those offering primarily pristine conditioning and luxurious surroundings. Architectural Heritage Runs Deep Northern Ireland's golf courses read like a who's who of course design. Old Tom Morris, Harry Colt, Ben Sayers, and Willie Park Junior have all left their mark. A Decade of Growth: 2011–2025 The Northern Ireland ranking has evolved considerably since its inception, expanding from a Top 20 to a Top 30 before settling into its current focused format. 📅 2011 — The Inaugural Top 20 The first standalone Northern Ireland ranking established the pecking order that would prove remarkably stable for over a decade. Royal County Down and Royal Portrush occupied the top two positions, with Portstewart and Castlerock completing the Causeway Coast quartet in the upper reaches. The initial list showcased the region's links strength while also recognising quality parkland at Malone, Belvoir Park, and Royal Belfast. 📅 2012 — Expanded to Top 25 The ranking grew to 25 courses, reflecting increased panellist coverage and a desire to capture more of Northern Ireland's golfing depth. Ardglass cemented its position as a fan favourite, while the expansion allowed hidden gems from across the six counties to gain recognition. 📅 2014 — Consolidating the Top 30 A further expansion to 30 courses brought the ranking to its largest format. The additional positions allowed courses like Galgorm Castle, which was steadily building its reputation through tournament hosting, to break into the national chart. The depth of Northern Irish golf was becoming increasingly apparent. 📅 2018 — Pre-Open Anticipation With the 2019 Open Championship at Royal Portrush on the horizon, the 2018 update carried added significance. Martin Ebert's new 7th and 8th holes on the Dunluce course — carved from Valley Course land — generated considerable excitement. Portstewart Strand continued to climb following its successful hosting of the 2017 Irish Open, won by Jon Rahm. 📅 2020 — Post-Open Revision Following Shane Lowry's memorable Open victory at Portrush in 2019, the 2020 revision showed remarkable stability. Royal County Down held firm at number one, with only seven courses moving upward and each by just a single position. The Mussenden at Castlerock climbed to 5th following Martin Hawtree's renovation, while the 9-hole Bann course at Castlerock rose four places, earning praise as "the most exciting, fun and engaging 9-hole links course" from the then editor-in-chief. 📅 2022 — The Last Full Pre-COVID Update The 2022 revision confirmed the mature nature of the ranking — very little movement, the same number one, and only four new chart entrants. Edenmore Country Club made its debut at 24th, while City of Derry (Prehen) and Dunmurry re-entered the chart. The departures of Ballycastle, Gracehill, Roe Park, and Warrenpoint reflected tightening standards rather than any decline in those courses. 📅 2025 — Post-COVID Refresh The 2025 update was a minor revision rather than a full reassessment — a necessary refresh after several disrupted seasons. The ranking contracted from 30 to 15 courses, reflecting a tighter focus on quality, while panellist coverage was rebuilt. The headline stories were Royal Portrush Valley's climb to 4th and the downward pressure on polished parklands under revised guidance. Planning Your Northern Ireland Golf Trip Northern Ireland is a compact golf destination where world-class courses sit remarkably close together. The entire region can be covered from two or three well-chosen bases, making it ideal for golf trips of any length. The Causeway Coast is the essential starting point. Base yourself in Portrush or Portstewart, and you are within minutes of Royal Portrush (Dunluce and Valley), Portstewart Strand, and Castlerock (Mussenden and Bann). Five outstanding courses, all links, all within a 15-minute radius. Allow three to four days to do this stretch justice. The Belfast Area offers a different flavour. Malone, Belvoir Park, and Royal Belfast provide top-quality parkland golf, while Galgorm Castle sits just 30 minutes north-west. These courses make excellent additions to a Causeway Coast itinerary or a rewarding standalone trip for those who prefer parkland golf. County Down demands at least a day, ideally two. Royal County Down at Newcastle is a pilgrimage course — the Mountains of Mourne backdrop is unforgettable. Combine it with Ardglass, just along the coast, for a clifftop links experience that delivers some of the most dramatic holes in Irish golf. The Fermanagh Detour adds Lough Erne to the itinerary. It is roughly two hours from Belfast, but the lakeland setting is so distinctive that it rewards the journey, particularly for those seeking a complete picture of Northern Irish golf. The beauty of Northern Ireland as a golf destination lies in its contrasts — wild Causeway Coast links one day, refined Belfast parkland the next, dramatic clifftop golf the day after. Few regions anywhere offer such variety in such a concentrated area. Explore the complete Northern Ireland Golf Course Rankings on Top 100 Golf Courses. The 2026 GB&I ranking overhaul results for Northern Ireland are expected later this year.

Top 100 has launched its podcast series hosted by our own James Henderson called Top 100 Clubhouse. James' unique approach often explores the people behind the places we love to visit and play. What Are The Top 100 Clubhouse Podcasts About? Top 100 Clubhouse is the ultimate podcast for golf enthusiasts! Join us as we delve deep into the minds of fascinating individuals from every corner of the golfing world. From players to course designers, caddies to golf historians, we'll leave no stone unturned in our quest to share unique insights and experiences with the Top100 Community. Together we'll explore the stunning courses and breathtaking landscapes, enjoying the unforgettable stories that bring the game of golf to life. How Do I Listen To The Latest Top 100 Clubhouse Podcast? You can download and listen on the following links. Listen now, wherever you download your podcast! Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcast  Podtail Who Should Be Our Next Guest? Top 100 members can share their views on who should join the next Top 100 Clubhouse podcast show. If you have an idea who you would like to hear, why not drop our Top 100 Clubhouse host James Henderson an email at: james@top100golfcourses.com Latest 2025 Top 100 Clubhouse Episodes Episode 62: Ru McDonald, Cruden Bay and Scottish Golf In this week's pod, Ru McDonald (Formerly DP World Tour Social Media Manager) joins Jasper to discuss his home club of Cruden Bay, his new golf holiday rental business, and golf in Scotland more broadly. Listen on Apple Podcasts Episode 61: DJ Piehowski In this episode, No Laying Up's DJ Piehowski joins the podcast to discuss his journey in the golf industry. He then gives us his thoughts on the latest goings on around the golfing world (TGL, PGA Tour/LIV unification, The distance debate etc), and his favourite courses from the last few years of travel. Listen on Apple Podcasts Episode 60: 2025 PGA Show In the last few weeks, James & Jasper headed to Orlando to explore the PGA Show. In this episode, they discuss their thoughts on the experience, and some broader themes in the golf industry. Listen on Apple Podcasts Episode 59: The Valley Course at Royal Portrush In this episode, Jasper sits down with Gary McNeill (head pro at Royal Portrush) to discuss the changes on the Valley Course and what it will be like when it reopens next year. Listen on Apple Podcasts Episode 58: Brett Hochstein - Building a Career in Golf Course Design In this episode, Jasper is joined by golf course designer Brett Hochstein. He discusses how his career got off to a rocky start during the 2008 Financial Crash and how he used that time to develop skills in greenkeeping and course management. He also discusses his recent input at various golden-age courses, including Pasatiempo. Listen on Apple Episode 57: Golf in New Zealand In this episode, Jasper joins James to discuss his recent trip to New Zealand and the golf scene on the North Island. He discusses Te Arai, Tara Iti & Waverley, among others. Listen on Apple Episode 56: The Most Golf Courses Play In A Year? In this podcast, Jasper is joined by Josh Simpson (AKA The Ginger Golfer) to discuss his 2025 attempt to break the Guinness World Record for most golf courses played in a year. Listen on Apple Episode 55: Walton Heath Golf Club James & Jasper got the chance to visit the beautiful Walton Heath, in Surrey, and recorded a brief 15 minute chat in their historic clubhouse. Listen on Apple Episode 53: Royal Burgess Golf Club - The Oldest in the World James chats to two members of Royal Burgess (Willie Finlayson & Dr Douglas Stuart) about the history of this great golf club. Listen on Apple 2024 Top 100 Clubhouse Episodes Episode 52: USA Rankings Update In this episode, Jasper & James discuss our latest Top 100 USA list, and the big runners and riders. They also discuss the future of golf course architecture, and some industry trends to look out for in 2025 and beyond. Listen on Apple Episode 51: Lockhart Travel Club In this week's podcast, James welcomes David Davis (CEO Of Top 100 Golf Courses) to the podcast, to talk about The Lockhart Travel Club. It is a sister company of Top 100, and provides members with the opportunity to play world class golf all around the world, and meet like minded golfers. Listen on Apple Episode 50: Year in Review In this episode, James & Jasper reflect on their golf course highlights of 2024, and look ahead to Top100's 2025 plans. Listen on Apple Episode 49: Forward Golf - The Next Evolution in Club Fitting In this episode, Jasper is joined by Chris Birch, who is the first person in the UK to adopt the Foreward Golf model of club fitting. They discuss what the method involves, and why it can be more effective than traditional, manufacturer led club fitting. Listen Here Episode 47: Sunningdale New with Adrian Pepper In this first episode with Adrian Pepper, he gives an introduction into why he has decided to write a book on the history of the New Course, for it's centenary. Part One Part Two Episode 46: CA & NY Rankings In this episode, James & Jasper discuss the recent release of new Top 100 lists in California and New York. They go through some of the social media response to the lists, and outline some of the work that goes into creating them. Listen on Apple Episode 45: Evan Olauson - Maintaining Golf Greywolf This week, Evan Olauson joins the podcast to discuss how he is able to maintain Greywolf Golf Course in the Rocky Mountains through the long Canadian winter. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 44: Brian Schneider - Building Old Barnwell In this episode, golf course architect Brian Schneider joins James & Jasper to discuss the building and development of Old Barnwell. He also discusses his background in golf, and his work on recreating The Lido. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 43: The President's Cup Of Golf Course Architecture In this episode, James & Jasper take charge the US and international Teams respectively, and are charged with choosing a golf course from each player's home country/state. Who would win in a President's Cup Of Golf Courses? Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 42: Beau Welling - Working with Tiger Woods In this episode of The Top100 Clubhouse, James is joined by golf course architect Beau Welling to discuss his illustrious career, his relationship with Tiger Woods, and his involvement in the PGA Tour's TGL project which is due to begin next January. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 41: Robin Sieger - Silent Mind Golf In this episode of The Clubhouse, James is joined by Robin Sieger, and they discuss the psychological side of playing golf. They also chat about some of Robin's favourite courses, and his golf-related world record! Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episodes 39 & 40: John Low - Golf Course Architectrure's Forgotten Man In this episode of The Top 100 Clubhouse, James and Jasper are joined by Golf Historian Bob Crosby, to discuss the life and legacy of John Low. He was an influential figure in shaping the direction of golf course architecture, and yet he is little known today. Listen To Episode 39 (Part One) Here Apple Podcasts Listen To Episode 40 (Part Two) Here Apple Podcasts Episode 38: Christine Fraser - A Fresh Perspective on Golf Course Architecture In this episode, James and Jasper are joined by Christine Fraser to discuss her unique perspective on golf course architecture. She began her career with Martin Hawtree in the South East of England and now runs her own company where she looks to use golf course architecture to drive meaningful change in communities. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 37: Jasper Miners - Introducing the Editor of Top 100 Golf Courses In this episode, James is joined by the newest member of the Top100 team, Jasper Miners (AKA @Evalu18Golf), to discuss the world of golf course architecture, and what is coming next for Top100. Listen in, and let us know in the comments what you would like to see next from Top100 Golf Courses. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 36: Wilma Erskine OBE - Bringing The Open to Royal Portrush In this episode James Henderson is joined by Wilma Erskine OBE, BEM. Wilma was the manager at Royal Portrush Golf Club for 35 years, and played a key role in bringing the Open Championship back to Northern Ireland in 2019. Wilma shares some fascinating insights into golf club management and explains how Royal Portrush has progressed from the dark days of the Troubles, into one of the highest-ranked courses in the world. We hope you enjoy! Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 35: Part 4 - Northern Irish Golf Road Trip: Royal County Down In the final episode from our NI Golf Road Trip, James chats to the legendary Kevan Whitson; The head professional at Royal County Down Golf Club. They talk about Kevan's route to the game, the club's history and what makes the course so special. Check out the accompanying videos on our YouTube channel. Search 'Top 100 Golf Courses' on YouTube. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 34: Part 3 - Northern Irish Golf Road Trip: Portstewart Golf Club In the third episode of our new series, the Top100 Golf Courses team visit Portstewart Golf Club. James Henderson chats with General Manager, David MacLaren.Make sure to watch video reviews of each course on our YouTube channel, and keep an eye out for the rest of our Northern Irish Golf Road Trip series! Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 33: Part 2 - Northern Irish Golf Road Trip: Castlerock Golf Club In the second episode of our new series, the Top100 Golf Courses team visit Castlerock Golf Club. James Henderson chats with Caddy Master Gordon Patterson, and Head Pro Robert Irvine. Make sure to watch video reviews of each course on our YouTube channel, and keep an eye out for the rest of our Northern Irish Golf Road Trip series! Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 32: Part 1 - Northern Irish Golf Road Trip: Royal Portrush In the first episode of our new series, the Top100 Golf Courses team visit the Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush Golf Club. This venue will play host to the 2025 Open Championship, and in this episode, James Henderson chats with Gary McNeill (head pro at Royal Portrush) about the preparation required to host such a prestigious tournament. Make sure to watch video reviews of each course on our YouTube channel, and keep an eye out for the rest of our Northern Irish Golf Road Trip series! Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 31: Why is Augusta National 12th in our World Rankings? A special episode to discuss why Augusta National is ranked 12th in our Top100golfcourses.com World Rankings! Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 30: Matt Adamski - General Manager at Sweetens Cove In this episode James Henderson is joined by Matt Adamski, who is the GM at Sweetens Cove in Tennessee, USA. He talks about how he got the job, and how the interview experience was in stark contrast to all of his prior experience in the golf industry. He talks about the merchandise offering from 'the shed', the course itself, and what makes the Sweetens experience so special. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 29: Tyler Rae - Golf Course Architect & Donald Ross Expert In this episode, James is joined by renowned golf course architect Tyler Rae. Tyler has worked on many high profile restoration projects, and also works on original courses. In this episode he talks through the challenges and joys of working in this industry, and expounds on what makes golf so special to him. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 28: Ryan Fox We welcome Ryan Fox to the Top 100 Clubhouse. Ryan a pro golfer currently ranked 41st in the world and 1st in New Zealand. He talks about how the All Blacks rugby team, most notably his legendary father Grant, have impacted his golfing career. We discuss his experience playing on the PGA Tour of Australasia, the Asian Tour and the European Tour, as well as New Zealand's rise to becoming a leading golf destination. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 27: Colin Burns - Managing Winged Foot In the first new episode of 2024 James is joined by Colin Burns, the former GM at Winged Foot Golf Club. They have a wide ranging discussion about managing a prestigious golf club, hosting a US Open during Covid and Colin's favourite golf courses. Listen Here Apple Podcasts 2023 Top 100 Clubhouse Podcast Releases Episodes 24-26: 2023 Year-End Review - Parts 1-3 This week on Top 100 Clubhouse James Henderson, Simon Holt and David Davis get together to carry out a review of the 2023 golfing year! They chat about the amazing courses they have visited in the past 12 months, and discuss the places you should be adding to your golfing itinerary in 2024! Listen to Part 1 Apple Podcasts Listen to Part 2 Apple Podcasts Listen to Part 3 Apple Podcasts Episode 23: Josh Ralston - Saudi Arabian Involvement In Golf In this week's episode of The Clubhouse James is joined by Josh Ralston (a professor at Edinburgh University). They discuss the ongoing LIV/PGA Tour negotiations, and why Saudi Arabia decided to get involved in golf in the first place. They also talk through Josh's favourite courses from around the world on the back end. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 22: Allesandra Kutz - Being A Female Club Fitter & Playing England's Top100 In this episode of The Clubhouse, James is joined by Allesandra Kutz. Allesandra played high-level golf at college but then fell out of love with the game. Recently, she got the bug again and is now trying to crack England's Top100 Golf Courses and document her journey. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 21: Kyle Cruickshank - Course Manager at The North Berwick Golf Club This week we welcome Kyle Cruickshank to the Top 100 Clubhouse. Kyle's a fascinating individual who's worked all over the world from Royal Melbourne to Muirfield and is now the course manager at the fantastic North Berwick. We discuss his career journey so far, the current renovations taking place at North Berwick, and his Top 5 Favourite Courses. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 20: Jim Rohrstaff - Te Arai Links In this episode of The Clubhouse, our CEO (Simon Holt) is in New Zealand for a golf trip. He checks in with Jim Rohrstaff, the managing director at Te Arai links, to chat about the incredible visitor experience, their favourite holes and much more. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 19: Nordic Special - Frode Hov (Lofoten Links) & Per G. Nyman (Växjö Golf Club) In this episode of 'Top100 Clubhouse' James is joined by Frode Hov, the driving force behind the sensational Lofoten Links in Norway. They discuss what makes Lofoten such a special place, and why it's a must-visit for any golf course lover! Next, James chats to Swedish pro golfer Per G. Nyman about his time competing on the European Tour and Challenge Tour, and how he then made the move from pro golf to golf course management, he's currently managing Växjö Golf Club in Sweden. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 18: David McLay Kidd - Designing The Castle Course & Dealing With Controversy In this episode of 'The Clubhouse' James is joined by a Scottish golf architecture legend; David McLay Kidd. The Glasgow-born Kidd founded DMK Golf Design in 2000, and ultimately went on to design incredible (but sometimes divisive) courses such as Bandon Dunes, St. Andrews (Castle) & Gamble Sands in Washington State. In this interview, James talks to him about his life in golf, and how he approaches/thinks about course design. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 17 - Matt Ward - Journalist at 100 Major Championships & 12 Ryder Cup's This week we welcome golf journalist Matt Ward to the Clubhouse. Matt is the top reviewer on top100golfcourses.com, he's played over 2000 golf courses, and written 831 reviews! As a journalist, Matt has attended 100 Majors and 12 Ryder Cup's, and has interviewed countless high-profile golfers. In this wide-ranging interview, Matt discusses his prestigious career, the game's all-time great players, and sheds light on what makes a top golf course. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 16: Patrick Koenig - Breaking World Records With The RGV Golf Tour This week, legendary golf photographer Patrick Koenig joins us in the Clubhouse. We discuss his current endeavour on the RGV golf tour, where he has broken the world record for most 18-hole rounds of golf played in a year. He also discusses some of his favourite courses and locations from years of travel as a photographer. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 15: John Caven - St. George's Golf and Country Club This week we welcome John Caven to the Clubhouse. John is the General Manager at St. George's Golf and Country Club in Ontario, Canada. He previously worked at the exclusive Loch Lomond Golf Club and has a lot to say about life in the golf industry and what it takes to host professional events in the current climate. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 14: David Davis: International Golf Course Rater & Co-Founder of The Lockhart Travel Club This week we welcome David Davis to the Clubhouse. David is a Partner at Top100golfcourses.com and Co-Founder of The Lockhart Travel Club. The 43rd person to finish playing the World Top 100 (November 2018). A true golf travel and golf course architecture enthusiast who has been a golf course panelist and international course rater for over 15 years. A father of 3 kids and a lifetime expat, originally from Oregon, having now lived overseas (in The Netherlands) for the better part of 30 years. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 13: Kurtis Bowman - Augusta National & La Haciena This week we welcome golf course architect Kurtis Bowman to the Top 100 Clubhouse. Kurtis talks to us about his new design at La Hacienda in Spain; he also details the reasons for his sabbatical from golf and his subsequent return to the industry. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 12: Javier Reviriego - CEO at Real Club Valderrama This week we welcome Javier Reviriego to the Top 100 Clubhouse. Javier is currently the CEO at Real Club Valderrama, one of the world's Top 100 courses. He has a highly impressive CV having previously been head pro at Real Club de Golf Sotogrande, and general manager at both Fuerteventura, and Finca Cortesin, which hosted the Solheim Cup this year. We talk about his career journey, the importance of running a sustainable golf course, and the decision to host LIV golf at Valderrama. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 11: Chandler Withington - Life as a Golf Artist Chandler has worked as the assistant pro at Seminole, the number one assistant at Merion, and was head pro at Hazeltine National during the Ryder Cup 2016. We discuss what it takes to win a Ryder Cup, his good friend Davis Love, and his new career as a licensed artist for the PGA, the USGA and the R&A. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 10: Martin Ebert Martin Ebert is one half of the legendary design duo 'Mackenzie & Ebert'. In this episode, we discuss his involvement in world-class layouts such as Hirono, Royal Liverpool, Royal Portrush and Turnberry. He is open about the challenges and joys of working on such renowned courses, and talks about the controversy surrounding the new 17th hole at Hoylake (Royal Liverpool). Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 9: Bob Ford - Seminole & Oakmont We caught up with the legendary Bob Ford during our week at the Walker Cup. He told us about his experiences as a club pro at Oakmont and Seminole and talked about the importance of merchandising in golf. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 8: Joshua Pettit - Founder of the Alister MacKenzie Institute This week we welcome Joshua Pettit to the Top 100 Clubhouse. Josh is an architect with a focus on the work of Dr. Alister MacKenzie. He's the founder and curator of the MacKenzie Institute and editor of the 'MacKenzie Reader: Writing on Golf Architecture and More'. Join us to discover more about one of golf's legendary architects. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 7: Jim McCann & European Top 100 Special We get to know Jim, hear about the sand course he helped build in Libya and learn about the methods we use to create our Top 100 lists, including a breakdown of the brand-new European Top 100 Rankings. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 6: David Scott - General Manager of Dumbarnie Links Simon Holt chats to David Scott, the General Manager of Dumbarnie Links in Leven, Scotland. They discuss David's golfing journey, the devastating impact caused by the nematode parasite, the value of using a golf tour operator when playing in the UK, the course architecture at Dumbarnie, and the significance of golf course rankings. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 5: Iain Forrester - Dutch Golf & the European Hickory Scene In this episode, Iain Forrester, Head Pro at Hoenshuis Country Club in the Netherlands, talks us through the golf scene in the low country and tells us about the growth of the hickory golf scene around Europe. We discuss the greatest courses in Holland, and whether The Netherlands has a legitimate claim to being the true home of golf. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 4: Zac Blair - Building The Tree Farm In this episode, we welcome Zac Blair to the Top 100 Clubhouse. Zac shares some of his experience on the PGA Tour, highlighting his preference for playing exceptional golf courses rather than engaging in practice rounds. We discuss his venture to establish The Buck Club, and learn about his significant project to build The Tree Farm, a brand new course in South Carolina, developed in collaboration with Kye Goalby and Tom Doak. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 3: Nairn Golf Club - From 1887 to Present This week on Top 100 Clubhouse we talk to the captain of Nairn Golf Club, Ali Asher, and the Nairn archivist, Hugh Sutherland. We sit down in Nairn's fantastic archive room and discuss the history of the club and the room, and also why the R&A really enjoy hosting tournaments there. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 2: Stuart McColm - General Manager of Cabot Highlands This week we welcome Javier Reviriego to the Top 100 Clubhouse. Javier is In Episode 2, our host James Henderson chats to Stuart McColm, the General Manager of Cabot Highlands near Inverness. They discuss how Stuart began his journey in golf, and how he came to be involved in the development of world-class courses like Kingsbarns and Castle Stuart. They also discuss the new course being developed at Cabot Highlands. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 1: Simon Holt Welcome to Top 100 Clubhouse! In Episode 1, our host James Henderson chats to Simon Holt. They discuss how Simon came to be involved with Top 100, the future direction of the business, and the best courses he's had the chance to play! Have a listen and get involved in the Top 100 Community! Listen Here Apple Podcasts

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.