Ballyliffin Golf Club Glashedy Links Key Information
The Glashedy Links offers up a brilliant and consistently exciting mix of all that is great about links golf, somehow managing that delicate balancing act of combining all that is great about traditional links with elements that are new and different.
Reasons To Play Ballyliffin
– Enjoy one of the most thrilling courses in Ireland
– Always presented in great condition
– Compare it with its sibling, the Old Course, a brilliant Next 100 favourite
Rankings
UK & Ireland Top 100 Golf Courses 2025/26- 67
One of the great joys of a visit to Ballyliffin Golf Club is that it is a complete golfing destination with the Glashedy Links in the Top 100 Golf Courses UK & Ireland, and the excellent Old Course in the Next 100. The Old is really not that old, but nor is the Glashedy Links which opened for play in 1995.
Such is the challenge and stature of this Pat Ruddy design that it was selected to host the 2018 Irish Open, won by Russell Knox and hosted by the Rory Foundation. Both designs here are unquestionably among the very best golf courses in Ireland and I thoroughly enjoyed playing them.
Getting on for 30 years old, there is nonetheless a fresh look and feel to this exciting links which is characterised by its fast-running fairways as well as some punishing bunkers. With some of the holes on higher ground, I think the views are superb, both internally over the course itself as well as of the surrounding scenery and out the sea.
This is also a serious test of golf which runs over a glorious dunescape. It has large, tricky greens which means that it will test every element of your game. As well as the better views, the exposure of the higher holes also means they are more open to the elements, in particular the wind.
Somewhat unusually for a newish design where there is a huge amount of space, there are just three short holes. However, I think that each of them is very distinctive and memorable, with the 7th the pick of the crop. It is very photogenic, played from way up high down to a green right next to a marshland pond. The views here, and indeed elsewhere, are exceptional.
From start to finish this is a course of constantly high standard, with the left to right closing hole serving as a perfect and demanding climax to your round. This is a very fine and enjoyable course with everything about it on a grand scale. It is also kept in excellent condition.
What's new for 2025/26? What our panellists said...
TThere is a growing confidence about Ballyliffin. This is evidenced by the money recently applied to construct the Pollan Links, par 3 course, where none other than Pat Ruddy was enlisted to bring the design to fruition. Midst the duneland and its proximity to the ocean, this is a special experience.
There is talk of Ballyliffin putting themselves forward to one day hosting The Open Championship. I can see they have the course and the credentials to pull this off. This day for me was one of the highlights of the year. Everything was right on the money.
The odd sliver of fairway, a distant flag or two and a few bobbing heads are the only hints there is a golf course out there.
Ballyliffin Golf Club Location
Ballyliffin Golf Club Glashedy Links scorecard
Best Courses Near To Ballyliffin
Places To Stay Near Ballyliffin
Ballyliffin Hotel - Book now at Booking.com
The Ballyliffin Hotel offers rooms with satellite TV and power showers, a fine dining restaurant and free parking. Rooms are all accessible by a lift and feature hairdryers, luxury toiletries and tea/coffee making facilities.
The Butterbean - Book now at Booking.com
Just five miles away in the centre of Carndonagh, this restaurant with stylishly furnished rooms is a short walk from various pubs and amenities.
Ballyliffin Golf Club Glashedy Links Gallery
Historical Top 100 Rankings UK&I
- 2023/24 - 67
- 2023/24 - 70
- 2021/22 - 68
- 2019/20 - 68
- 2017/18 - 69
- 2015/16 - 73
- 2013/14 - 74
- 2011/12 - 74
- 2009/10 - 72
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the better course at Ballyliffin?
The Glashedy Links has always rated a little higher than the Old Links, even though the latter is an extremely fine course in its own right. This is one of those exceptional clubs such as Sunningdale and The Berkshire where golfers can play two courses and make up their own minds as to which they prefer.
Is Ballyliffin in Northern Ireland?
Not quite - it is just to the west of the border but actually the most northerly golf club in all Ireland, five miles or so from the most northerly part of the mainland, Malin Head.
Which is the best hole at Ballyliffin?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but the elevated 7th on the Glashedy Links is an excellent par 3 which not only looks terrific but also has wonderful panoramas over both courses and out to sea.
