Dunluce Road,
Portrush, Co. Antrim BT56 8JQ
Office
+44 (0)28 7082 2311Pro shop
+44 (0)28 7082 3335Fax
+44 (0)28 7082 3139Website
Visit websiteGolf pro
Gary McNeill (Head Professional).The Course:
18 holes. Seaside links. Undulating terrain - a few slopes to climb.
Surroundings:
Coastal duneland.
Designer:
Harry Colt (1932).
Above distances are for the Valley Links. Also at Royal Portrush is the 18-hole Dunluce Links (par-72; 7143 yds from back tees; SSS 75).
55.199789
-6.636976
5 miles NE of Coleraine.
From Coleraine take the A29 direction Portrush. After 5 miles, upon entering Portrush, turn right onto the A2 direction Bushmills. After o.4 miles golf entrance is on your left (approx o.3 miles before the entrance to Royal Portush Dunluce course).
Royal Portrush (Valley)
Royal Portrush Golf Club (Valley Course): Royal Portrush's Valley Links is certainly worth a visit in its own right, even if it is "looked down on" by its more revered big brother, the Dunluce Links. Most of the course is played in a relatively flattish valley, between the bigger dunes of the Dunluce course and a single line of immense dunes, behind which hides the sea.
The family resemblance between the two links courses, Dunluce and Valley, is clear. Both are laid out on excellent quality natural links land, where crisp turf carpets the rolling fairways. Around the greens, slick run-offs and strategically-placed and mischievous pot bunkers play their part. Surprisingly the course is home to only 22 bunkers, although the threat they pose would suggest a much larger number.
More than just a warm-up for the Dunluce, this is a great little links course that stands on its own two feet, quite independent of big brother. The Valley may be a tad shorter than the Dunluce, but be assured, your full game will be thoroughly tested. The Valley's Championship tees provide a par-70 course that stretches to 6,304 yards, with an SSS of 71. The shorter Medal tees give 6,054 yards, with a par of 68 and SSS 70.
Pick of the holes: Four exquisite short par-3s, including the 3rd hole (Fairy Ring), are countered by the very testing 237-yard par-3 6th (Curran's Point).
Visitors welcome on weekdays (except Weds), and weekends (afternoons only).
Must book in advance. Handicap required.
Credit cards accepted. Contact club for full details, discounts, packages, etc. [Last updated: 2023].
Players walk this course. Golf carts are not available. Caddies available (book in advance).
Good
Royal Portrush's Valley Links is used each year as a final qualifying course for the North of Ireland Amateur Championship.
George, Duke of York (later George V) conferred the Royal prefix on Portrush GC in 1892. By royal prerogative, three Northern Irish golf clubs use the "Royal" title, namely: Belfast, Portrush and County Down.
Dunluce course:
Ireland's 2nd best course (Golf World, 2023).
Britain & Ireland's 6th best course (Golf World, 2022).
World's 16th best course (GOLF Magazine, 2023/24) and 9th best public access course (Golf World, 2023).
Valley course:
Ireland's 34th best course (Golf World, 2023).
Whiterocks, Portrush, Co. Antrim BT56 8NF
+44 (0)28 7082 2236
Visit websiteA hotel with superb views over Royal Portrush golf courses and the sea.
No
Royal Portrush (Dunluce and Valley courses)
Portstewart; Castlerock
No
Royal Portrush (Dunluce and Valley courses)
Portstewart; Castlerock
Ryder Cup: Rome plays host to the first ever Ryder Cup to be staged in Italy, with the USA defending golf’s greatest team trophy at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club (Sept 29-Oct 1).
Solheim Cup: also in September, also in southern Europe, the 18th Solheim Cup will be contested at Finca Cortesin on the Costa del Sol, with Europe defending after their surprise win in Toledo, Inverness Club (Ohio) in 2021 (Sept 22-24).
To secure the best rates and ensure availability, it's recommended to book your rental car in advance, especially during peak golfing season.
Car Rental in Belgium, Europe & Worldwide – Avis
Céline Boutier: with many successes as both an amateur and professional golfer, Boutier added a major championship title to her impressive résumé at this year’s Evian Championship.
Alex Cejka: buffeted by rain and high winds, especially on the high-scoring final day, Čejka prevailed over Pádraig Harrington in a playoff at Royal Porthcawl, to scoop the Senior Open Championship title.
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.
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