The European Club

Brittas Bay,

nr Wicklow, Co. Wicklow

  • Office

    +353 (0)404 47 415
  • Pro shop

    +353 (0)404 47 415
  • Fax

    +353 (0)404 47 449
  • Golf pro

    None

About the course

  • The Course:

    20 holes. Seaside links. Undulating terrain - a few slopes to climb.

  • Surroundings:

    Coastal duneland.

  • Designer:

    Pat Ruddy

Back
tees
Club
tees
Front
tees
Yards
7355
6168
5804
Par
71
71
71
SSS or slope
74
69
72

Location

Latitude:

52.859854

Longitude:

-6.071748

How to get there:

65 km S of Dublin

The European Club

4-PLUS: Must play course - excellent standard; worthy of 4½ stars.

Est. 1987

The European Club: A large and local fan base for this splendidly scenic and relatively recent links golf course was quickly established after it opened in 1987. That fan base rapidly rippled out across the golfing world. Perhaps no surprise that the 20-hole layout of the European Club is now routinely regarded as one of Ireland's best ... and most challenging.

After a rather tricky beginning, the course soon comes alive as it tumbles through dramatic sand dunes, and journeys down to the sea's edge. Here you will find some of the most spectacular golf holes anywhere in Ireland. Unusually and rather uniquely, this is a links course that features 20-holes - two extra par-3s (7a and 12a) are in play on most days.

With ever-undulating terrain, railway-sleepered bunkers galore and plenty of trouble awaiting stray drives (including the beach), your game will indeed be seriously challenged. As for testing your putting, the 127-yard green at the long par-4 12th, will see to that.

With sea views from most of the course, and many definitive seaside links holes, especially the ones skirting Brittas Bay, this is a course that does indeed deserve its place amongst Ireland's elite. The rather heavy green fee is obviously a reflection of the layout's growing reputation ( ... perhaps also influenced by its proximity to Dublin).

List of courses: Ireland - East

Visitors

Who can play and when?

Visitors welcome on weekdays and weekends.

Must book in advance. No handicap restrictions, but players must be competent on a links course.

Green fees

Visitor fee, 18-holes in high season (April thru' Oct): weekdays €250; weekends €275.

Contact club for full details, discounts, packages, etc. [Last updated: 2023].

Other information

Players generally walk this course. Golf carts available for hire (best to book in advance). Caddies not available.

Practice facilities

Good

Did you know?

The European Club was created and the course laid out by its owner, golf-writer turned golf designer Pat Ruddy. Regular tweaks by Ruddy ensure this relatively modern design continues to remain current and ever challenging.

The European Club is quietly located just south of the popular holiday village of Brittas Bay, which boasts a 3 km beach which faces out onto the Irish Sea.

Published ranking

Ireland's 13th best in Ireland (Golf World, 2023).
Britain & Ireland's 57th best course (Golf World, 2022).
World's former 97th best course (GOLF Magazine, 2017; not in subsequent editions of this ranking).

Where2Stay

  • Tinakilly House Hotel4-star

    Rathnew, Wicklow, Co. Wicklow

    +353 (0)404 69274

    Visit website
    • Golf at this hotel:

      No

    • Golf within 10 km:

      No

    • Golf within 30 km:

      Druids Glen; Druids Heath; The European

  • Woodenbridge Hotel3-star

    Vale of Avoca, Arklow, Co. Wicklow

    +353 (0)402 351 46

    Visit website

    Reputedly Ireland's oldest hotel, established in 1608 and located right next to Woodenbridge Golf Club.

    • Golf at this hotel:

      Woodenbridge

    • Golf within 10 km:

      No

    • Golf within 30 km:

      The European; Seafield.

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