Brittas Bay,
nr Wicklow, Co. Wicklow
Office
+353 (0)404 47 415Pro shop
+353 (0)404 47 415Fax
+353 (0)404 47 449Website
Visit websiteGolf pro
NoneThe Course:
20 holes. Seaside links. Undulating terrain - a few slopes to climb.
Surroundings:
Coastal duneland.
Designer:
Pat Ruddy
52.859854
-6.071748
65 km S of Dublin
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).
Visitors welcome on weekdays and weekends.
Must book in advance. No handicap restrictions, but players must be competent on a links course.
Contact club for full details, discounts, packages, etc. [Last updated: 2023].
Players generally walk this course. Golf carts available for hire (best to book in advance). Caddies not available.
Good
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.
Ireland's 13th best in Ireland (Golf World, 2023).
Britain & Ireland's 59th best course (Golf World, 2025).
World's former 97th best course (GOLF Magazine, 2017; not in subsequent editions of this ranking).
No
No
Druids Glen; Druids Heath; The European
Vale of Avoca, Arklow, Co. Wicklow
+353 (0)402 351 46
Visit websiteReputedly Ireland's oldest hotel, established in 1608 and located right next to Woodenbridge Golf Club.
Woodenbridge
No
The European; Seafield.
Chevron Championship: Carlton Woods near Houston in Texas provides the stage for the first women’s major championship of 2025, where Nelly Korda defends her title. (April 24-27).
Soudal Open: successor to the Belgian Open, the Soudal Open takes place on the quiet, wooded North course of Rinkven Golfclub. Belgian stars Thomas Pieters and Nicolas Colsaerts will be vying for top honours. (May 22-25).
Rory McIlroy: with his 2025 win in The Masters, Rory joined the pantheon of golfing greats who have achieved a career Grand Slam of men’s majors ... Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods are the only others in this select band.
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Marco Simone Golf & Country Club: With a clubhouse that might befit a Roman Emperor, and a golf course to match, you can be sure of a memorable outing at Rome's most talked about golf facility.
Jim Fazio's original layout was much changed to create a modern Ryder Cup course ... now one of the Eternal City's (and Italy's) most revered.
Here at Prince’s Golf Club you'll find 27 excellent holes of links golf. Just over the fence and sharing similar terrain is Royal St George’s; but Prince’s is far from overshadowed by its venerable neighbour. The three nine-hole loops at Prince's, laid out over gently undulating terrain, are sure to bring a smile of satisfaction to all lovers of links golf.
Stay&Play at Prince's: excellent onsite Lodge accommodation available
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