Portmarnock (Old)
Portmarnock (Old)
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Course Type
Semi-private -
GOLF Top 100 World Rank (2023-24)
59 -
Year
1896 -
Architects
W.C. Pickerman/George Ross/Mungo Park, 1894/George Coburn, 1896 -
Par
72 -
Yardage
7,441
Course Overview
On approach to the Dublin airport, keep your eyes peeled out the window for a glimpse of the most romantic location for a golf course imaginable. Yes, that would be Portmarnock, set among low dunes at the end of a peninsula. The sense of seclusion is palpable, even though you are only 7 miles as the crow flies from a bustling capital city. Seve Ballesteros, Bernhard Langer and Ian Woosnam are among those who won Irish Opens here. Arnold Palmer once tabbed the 15th as one of golf’s best par-3s and yet the other par-3 on that side (the shorter 12th) is just as good. Be prepared for some of the fastest, purest running conditions that the game offers. Also, don’t miss its third nine, the Yellow Nine. (Photo: Courtesy Portmarnock)
3 things to know
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Hole everyone talks about
No. 15, par-3, 204 yards: The 15th provides the most spectacular vistas of the Irish Sea on the entire course. A right miss is better than left, but don’t go too far right or the beach is in play. -
Best non-golf amenity
Visit around the time of the Open Championship and you may encounter some Tour pros adjusting to links golf here, as Tiger Woods did ahead of the 2000 Open. Makes sense given Portmarnock’s setting near the Dublin airport. -
Insider tip
Be sure to bring a change of of clothes and non-golf shoes. Spiked shoes and shorts are strictly prohibited in the dining areas, and a jacket is required as well.
