Portmarnock Golf Club
Co. Dublin, Ireland
Founded in 1893, the club with its Portmarnock Old golf course (Red & Blue nines) is the standout in Dublin and not to be left off any Dublin golf trip. It is ranked on the most prestigious lists among the Top 10 Courses in Ireland and in the World’s Top 100 Courses. There is also a 3rd nine (Yellow) at Portmarnock, for those in need of an extra nine after their round on the championship links.
It has hosted most of the world’s legendary golfers throughout the years. Arnold Palmer and Sam Snead teamed together to win the Canada Cup (which became the World Cup) in 1960. And the exciting 1991 Walker Cup won by the US 14-10, boasted Phil Mickleson, Bob May, David Duval, Padraig Harrington and Paul McGinley among the competitors. It has also served as host venue to 19 Irish Opens where winners include Seve Ballesteros, Bernard Langer and Ben Crenshaw among other major winners of the past.
It is perhaps best known for being the home of legendary and beloved Irish amateur golfer, Joe Carr. Carr was born into a large family and with limited finances, he was adopted at 10 days old by his childless maternal aunt and her husband who had just returned from India to become the steward and stewardess of the Portmarnock Golf Club. Carr, having grown up on the links, was once able to ace the 385-yard, par 4 14th hole, miraculously avoiding the cavernous bunkers guarding the green.
The 14th begins a stretch of holes of which Bernard Darwin once commented, “I know of no greater finish in the world than that of the last five holes at Portmarnock”.
Course Details
The Development of Portmarnock
The land was originally owned by the whiskey magnate, John Jameson (a Scot), and from about 1950 he had his own “rough” private course there. In the early 1890s it was deemed the perfect site for a new “proper” golf club. At the time the sandy peninsula could only be reached by boat. The first 9-hole course was laid out by the 1874 Open Champion, Mungo Park (another Scot), who served as the Club pro for the first year. Jamison was honored by being the first club President.
After expanding to 18 holes in 1896, the course has had minor tweaks throughout the years mainly expanding it to a modern length of just under 7,500 yards for championship play. The layout encompasses the very best of links golf, it covers natural terrain and dunes, there are no manmade features. Water borders the links on three sides, while the greens are true and lightning-quick.
Portmarnock is a private member’s course and so has restricted visitor times. It is conveniently located only 10 miles from Dublin city center and 15 minutes from Dublin airport. When requesting, be sure not to confuse it with the Portmarnock Golf Links. Designed by Bernard Langer, located nearby at the Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Resort, on the old Jameson Estate, it is another welcome addition to any Ireland golf itinerary.
Location
Take a Dublin Golf Tour
Near Dublin, golf courses including Royal Dublin, K Club, Druids Glen and European Golf Club are must plays. These can be enjoyed alongside the vibrant culture of the Republic of Ireland’s iconic capital city.
6 nights accommodation and 6 rounds of golf
Prices starting from $3,700
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