Royal Portrush is a classic seaside links, located in a breathtaking setting on the north Antrim coastline, blessed with magnificent ocean views. On a clear day (from the 3rd tee) you can see the Paps of Jura and the island of Islay.
In 2014 it was confirmed that Royal Portrush will return to the Open Championship Rota in 2019. Royal Portrush is ruggedly beautiful and has one of the most dramatic entranceways to any course in the world. As you wind your way towards the course along the coastal road, the crumpled, undulating links land suddenly appears in front of you, flags fluttering in the breeze, views of the challenge that awaits in plain sight.
Since its founding in 1888, Royal Portrush Golf Club has undergone multiple transformations. It was originally a 9-hole course, known as the County Club. In 1889 it was extended to 18 holes. In 1892, its’ name changed to the Royal County Club, with the Duke of York as patron. In 1895, the Prince of Wales came along and the name was changed to Royal Portrush.
The Championship course, called The Dunluce Links, is named after the ruined Dunluce castle that overlooks the course. It was the venue for the first professional golf tournament in Ireland in 1895. The Open Championship has been held outside of Scotland and England only once; that occasion was at Royal Portrush in 1951 when Max Faulkner triumphed.
In preparation for the return of the Open in 2019, architects Mackenzie & Ebert proposed a number of changes to the course, the most significant of which is the replacement of holes 17 and 18 with two dramatic and challenging new holes, located where the current 5th and 6th holes lie on the second course, The Valley Golf Club. Although a master challenge for the tour professionals, Royal Portrush, from the proper set of tees, is fun, charming and fair for all golfer skill levels.
