Ballyliffin Golf Club, situated on the Inishowen Peninsula’s Atlantic edge, boasts Ireland’s most northerly golf course, with origins dating back to its establishment in 1947. However, its renowned Glashedy links, named after the prominent Glashedy Rock, is a more recent addition to the golfing landscape.
In 1992, Pat Ruddy, inspired by the club’s expansive dunesland potential, proposed creating a world-class second links course rather than simply improving the existing layout. Amid impending planning restrictions, the club secured a substantial government grant of £315,000, a pivotal moment enabling the project’s swift commencement in spring 1993. By summer 1995, after significant earth-moving efforts, the Glashedy links opened to acclaim, showcasing a flattened layout conducive to championship play, akin to Royal Birkdale’s fairways.
Pat Ruddy later returned in 2012-13 to oversee extensive bunker revetting, enhancing the course’s challenge and maintaining its championship pedigree. Stretching over 7,200 yards with formidable par fours and expansive, undulating greens guarded by numerous bunkers, the Glashedy links has already hosted prestigious events like the North West of Ireland Open and earned a reputation as a potential Irish Open venue.
In a significant announcement during the 2017 Irish Open, Ballyliffin’s Glashedy course was selected to host the 2018 edition, which was won by Russell Knox after a thrilling playoff. This decision underscored the course’s capability to challenge and showcase the skills of top professionals, further solidifying its stature among Ireland’s golfing elite.
