Hogs Head Golf Club emerged from the former Skellig Bay golf course site, purchased in 2014 from local businessman Haulie O’Shea and London investor Robert Noonan by Alvarez & Marsal, an American professional services firm. Situated just four kilometres southeast of Waterville Golf Links on a stunning 150-acre clifftop property, Hogs Head underwent significant transformation. Over eight thousand metres of stone walls were removed, and more than 100,000 tons of sand were laid to enhance the course’s firm and fast-playing characteristics, though it’s not a traditional links course, it mimics one, especially in windy conditions due to its exposed headland location.
The design features of Hogs Head are notable, including a Biarritz green on the par five 6th and a small punchbowl green at the end of the challenging par four 9th. Particularly impressive are the dual greens at the par three 13th, where an alternate putting surface on the left accommodates inclement weather days when the main green is too exposed.
Architect Robert Trent Jones II expressed the owner’s goal to create a championship-level course that embodies Ireland’s deep passion for golf. He emphasised a philosophy of building a course “by friends, for friends, for fun,” ensuring that Hogs Head delivers an enjoyable golfing experience.
