Portstewart Golf Club, founded in 1894 with golf dating back to 1889, boasts the Strand course, a blend of historical Willie Park Junior design and modern additions by Des Giffin in the late 1980s. The course unfolds amidst vast sand dunes overlooking the Atlantic mouth of Lough Foyle and the Inishowen peninsula.
Renowned for its exhilarating challenge, the Strand features standout holes like the daunting 425-yard par four 1st, which curves sharply towards the sea. Memorable par threes include the 207-yard 3rd and the 140-yard 6th with its plateau green.
James W Finegan lauds the course as nearly on par with Northern Ireland‘s top links courses, Royal County Down and Royal Portrush. The seamless integration of new and old holes is a testament to Giffin’s design prowess, ensuring a cohesive playing experience.
Hosting the Irish Open in 2017, Portstewart saw Jon Rahm dominate with a record-breaking score. The club’s ongoing development plan with European Golf Design aims to enhance all three 18-hole courses and practice facilities, starting with improvements to the Strand’s final holes. EGD’s Jeremy Slessor expressed excitement at the opportunity to elevate the Strand’s reputation and enhance the overall golfing experience at Portstewart.
