Donegal Golf Club
Co. Donegal, Ireland
As with many clubs in Great Britain and Ireland they are often known by two names, and Donegal Golf Club is more commonly referred to as ‘Murvagh’ among the golf community.
Along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, sitting on the Murvagh Peninsula, surrounded by Donegal Bay in the shadow of the Bluestock Mountains, is a monster championship layout. It is a masterful collaboration of two of Ireland’s finest links golf architects – Eddie Hackett and Pat Ruddy.
The original Hackett design opened in 1973 and then Pat Ruddy updated and modernized the course in 1992 and 2017. The course design encompasses two loops of nine that play back to the clubhouse in opposite directions.
The outward nine loops anticlockwise and the inward nine plays clockwise. Ruddy lengthened the course to a stout 7,450 yards from the tips and bettered at least 11 of the original holes. It plays to an unusual par 73 for both men and women, with five par 5s, four par 3s and nine par 4s.
Course Details
Playing Donegal
With the overall length and constant ever changing wind as a hazard on its own, the course now features 5 sets of tees. Plus a beginner tee to bring more people and juniors into the game and provide enjoyment for every skill level of golfer.
Despite its length it is an easy walk with no dramatic elevation changes. Even without large elevation changes the stunning views, especially on the outward loop, are enough to distract even the lowest handicappers.
The signature 5th hole, aptly named, ‘Valley of Tears’ having caused a few, even from the professionals. A 195-yard par 3, requiring a semi-blind tee shot to a narrow plateau green defended by bunkers in front and below.
Darren Clarke, a longtime member, admits Donegal Golf Club is ‘One of my favorite courses in the world.’ Be sure and allow some time on your North West Golf trip to also go shopping in the town of Donegal and bring home some of their famous tweed.
Location
Take a North West Ireland Golf Tour
North West Ireland is a hidden gem of a golfing destination. In comparison to better know tours of Northern Ireland or the South West, unearth some of the finest links on the emerald Isle.
7 nights accommodation and 5 rounds of golf
Prices starting from $4,750
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