Portmarnock Golf Club (Championship)
Portmarnock Golf Championship course needs very little in a way of introduction. In terms of the world stage, Portmarnock is Ireland’s most loved one. Based north of Dublin alongside the Irish sea.
The Land in which Portmarnock rests was once owned by John Jameson and was used as the family’s very own private 9-hole golf course. Still today you can enjoy a post-round silky smooth Jamesons in the clubhouse bar.
Portmarnock Golf Championship course is one of the world’s favourite links courses. The reason for this is simple. The course is fair. The course’s almost complete lack of blind shots alongside the flat nature of the fairways and greens which are pure and fast and require nothing less than a smooth stroke.
Accolades
Portmarnock is always in the top 100 courses and has hosted prestigious events; such as The Open Championship, Walker Cup and various amateur championships.
The greats of the game only have the kindest words to say on Portmarnock and just to name a few;
” There are no tricks or nasty surprises at Portmarnock, only an honest, albeit searching test of shot-making skills. ” Tom Watson
“ There are often arguments as to the greatest courses in these islands, but no one would dispute Portmarnock’s right to a place in the first few ” Peter Thompson
“ One of the most enjoyable links courses I have had an opportunity to play “ Tiger Woods
Course Design
There is nothing man-made about Portmarnock, just a simple two loops of nine holes invariably playing in different directions but at total mercy to the wind. Portmarnock is a formidable test of golf.
The first hole is neither difficult nor candid, an optimal way to start you round. The second and third holes raise the challenge a notch. The third hole requires a straight drive to a landing strip of fairway setting up a second shot to a well guarded green. The fourth and fifth holes are two of the best holes on the golf course and played out tight to the estuary, both are lengthy Par 4’s and require ultimate attention. There is no weak link of the outbound nine even though only one Par 3 and one Par 5 feature on the front part of the course.
The Back nine offers two further Par 5’s and two Par 3’s completing the Par of 72.
The most famous holes on the back nine would be 14th and 15th with our signature hole. The course at Portmarnock is links golf personified.
Signature Hole
The Signature Hole at Portmarnock is with no doubt the 15th, Which is the prettiest hole on the course also. You’ll need to stay out of the trifecta of bunkers defending this green that is twice as long as it is wide. The best views of the ocean at Portmarnock are found on this iconic Irish hole.
