Royal Portrush is the only club outside mainland Britain to host the Open Championship, with Max Faulkner winning in 1951 and Shane Lowry in 2019.
Founded in 1888, the club began as a 9-hole course known as the County Club. It expanded to 18 holes in 1889 and underwent several name changes before becoming Royal Portrush. The most significant transformation occurred when Harry S. Colt redesigned the course in 1932. The current 10th and 11th holes were added before World War II, and the clubhouse moved to its present location in 1946.
The Dunluce Links, named after Dunluce Castle, is a classic seaside links course with fairways nestled in natural valleys and small greens blending into the landscape. The course’s most spectacular holes are near the shore. The 5th, “White Rocks,” is a short, downhill par four, while the 16th, “Calamity,” is a challenging 210-yard par three.
Architects Mackenzie & Ebert made significant changes for the 2019 Open, replacing the 17th and 18th holes with two new holes from the Valley Course. This reconfiguration allowed for a dramatic and iconic finale. Shane Lowry’s 2019 victory amid tough weather conditions underscored the course’s challenging nature.
Royal Portrush offers stunning ocean views and natural hazards that test even the best golfers, making it a must-visit for golf enthusiasts.
