While Portstewart Golf Club was officially founded in 1894, there is evidence that golf was played along this brilliant linksland as early as 1889.
Home to three challenging Northern Ireland golf layouts, the most well-known Portstewart golf course is The Strand, today a true championship design stretching 7,118 yards and known for one of the most dramatic opening nines and the best opening hole in links golf.
From an elevated tee, the opening hole is a downhill 425-yard, par 4 that doglegs right with a green tucked into the towering dunes. This sets the tone for the rollercoaster ride over the next eight holes.
The 18-hole course from 1907 was updated in the 1920s by Willie Park, Jr. The Strand underwent more significant changes in the 1980s with the addition of seven holes and in 1992 the current design by Des Griffin opened.
The course has always been a tale of two nines, with the inward nine perceived as a bit of a letdown to the rollicking fun and challenges of the outward holes. European Golf Design has been retained to strengthen the close of the last three holes on The Strand as well as other Portstewart golf projects.
A frequent host to a variety of quality competitions, the Club proudly hosted the 2017 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, won by European superstar, Jon Rahm.
The other two courses make for wonderful 36-hole days without leaving the Club – The Old Course, a shorter layout playing to a par 64. The Riverside Course is a par 68, that plays along the picturesque River Bann. Within their 2022 remit European Golf Design will be developing The Riverside Course to its championship potential and turning fresh eyes onto The Old Course’s historic links to improve its playing experience.
Seriously consider adding one or both of Portstewart’s other courses to your tee time at The Strand when booking your Northern Ireland golf trip.
Northern Ireland is a golfing utopia. With breathtaking views, rolling countryside, and around 100 courses across the small country, it is often considered the go-to destination for a luxury golf vacation.
6 nights accommodation and 6 rounds of golf
Prices starting from $4,750
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