Portstewart Golf Club was founded in 1894, but the origins of golf being played here date back even further to 1889. The Strand course is a bit of a hybrid, a mix of the old and the new. Major development took place in the late 1980s when the layout was updated and seven new holes were constructed in the virgin sand dune range called “Thistly Hollow”. The new Strand course, designed by Des Giffin, opened for play in 1992.
The Strand course is exhilarating golf course, set amidst imposing, gigantic sand dunes with panoramic views across the Atlantic to the Inishowen peninsula beyond. It is also incredibly challenging, with one of the best opening nine holes in golf.
The front nine is carved out of some the largest dunes you will have ever seen. Each hole is a spectacular experience through an amphitheater of sand. The dunes frame the holes beautifully and consistently dare you to hit heroic shots. The 1st is an absolute stunner, a downhill 425-yard par four through the dunes. And the stunning holes keep coming… especially memorable are two of the new par threes, the 3rd and the 6th. The 3rd measures 207 yards, while the 6th, measures a mere 140 yards with a plateau green.
The back nine is flatter without the dunes and meanders down the river, offering some great holes, with the 11th and new look 14th both worth a mention.
A golfing trip to Northern Ireland would not be complete without a round at Portstewart on the Strand course. The members here are very warm and welcoming and if you add this course to your rounds at Royal Portrush and Royal County Down, you will have played three of the world’s finest links courses.