County Sligo Golf Club at Rosses Point, Colt Championship Links Key Information
This is a spectacular links with superb views. Extremely natural with some stunning views to take in. Benulben Mountain is reminiscent of Cape Town’s Table Mountain, then you have the sweeping bay and glorious beaches. It’s not surprising this landscape was an inspiration for the great writer W.B Yeats. A round here is a real experience and the quality of the layout matches the stunning surroundings.
REASONS TO PLAY COUNTY SLIGO GOLF CLUB COLT CHAMPIONSHIP LINKS
– Excellent example of the great man's design style, upgraded and evolved over the decades to meet the requirements of the modern game.
– Stunning setting with incredible views
– Natural and rugged feeling golf but with high quality playing surfaces
RANKINGS
UK & Ireland Top 100 Golf Courses 2025/26 - 81
Founded in 1894, and a climber in our Top 100 golf courses UK&I for 2025/26, County Sligo Golf Club at Rosses Point is one of the oldest links in Ireland. Harry Colt was principally responsible for the design of the championship course and It’s a great example of his design prowess, with some tremendous holes. Martin Hawtree has advised the club on more recent improvements to the layout as has Pat Ruddy.
The prolific Ruddy worked on the "revitalisation" of this great Colt links for a decade, with one of his most significant changes a new green on the 3rd to help lengthen the hole sufficiently for it to regain its true par-5 credentials. Other holes that came under Ruddy's scrutiny included the 1st, 2nd, 6th, 11th and 14th, with greens on certain other holes also extended to either the side or rear. Not only did the club bestow honorary life membership on Ruddy when he retired from his work there, but it also introduced the Pat Ruddy Perpetual Trophy, awarded to the leading qualifier in the West of Ireland Championship. I think that's a great tribute.
In recent times, the club has invested in creating a new green complex at the 15th and a realignment of the bunkering around the 3rd green.
There’s a distinct feeling of being encircled by the sea at County Sligo, though the flat-topped mountain of Benbulben forms an intriguing backdrop to many holes.
You climb away from the clubhouse before suddenly being presented with a magnificent panorama of virtually the entire course, which is one of the best golf courses in Ireland. It all seems deceptively open and forgiving from this aerial perspective.
The short 4th is one of my favourite holes and think it is a perfect example of a par 3 that simply doesn’t need bunkers, played as it is to a green that slopes away from you and has a run-off area short and right.
From the elevated tee at the next, you see some of the treats in store, but the most magical area is still hidden from view, over the dunes at the far end of the course.
Throughout the round, the views of the Ox Mountains and the golfing test are outstanding. When you reach the distant loop of holes around the turn, I always feel as though I'm in a different world.
The short 13th by the beach is another lovely short hole, and the penultimate hole might just be the best on the course – a very demanding dogleg left up to a green tucked away in the dunes.
County Sligo’s most famous golfer was Ceil Ewing. He was six times a Walker Cup player and winner of the West of Ireland on 10 occasions. He was captain at County Sligo in 1950 and again in 1961.
What's new for 2025/26? What our panellists said…
Sligo is a fun and demanding course to play. There are tough holes like the 7th and 17th which stick out in the mind. Fun holes like the 5th and 12th while the finish from the 13 to 18th will really test a player coming home. It is nice to play a course that hosts the top amateurs in the country and see how your game stacks up against them. I am always impressed with how well they keep on top of divots on this course. A hard-working team of greens staff deserve much credit for their endeavours on this course.
This was undoubtedly one of my favourite courses that I played while in Ireland. Playing through the dunes at Portstewart and Enniscrone may have been more striking and rarer but negotiating the short par 3, 13th surrounded by the sea, with a stream to avoid and the distant hills as your backdrop, was way more exciting.
County Sligo Golf Club at Rosses Point, Colt Championship Links Location
County Sligo Golf Club at Rosses Point, Colt Championship Links Scorecard
Best Courses Near to County Sligo Golf Club at Rosses Point, Colt Championship Links
For more great courses in the area, check out our guide to the best golf courses in Ireland.
Best Places to Stay Near County Sligo Golf Club at Rosses Point, Colt Championship Links
The Glasshouse, Sligo - Book now at Booking.com
With stunning design and spacious rooms, The Glasshouse is set on The Garravogue River in Sligo’s centre. The award-winning Kitchen restaurant serves full Irish breakfasts, an extensive lunch menu, and a creative evening á la carte menu. The Manhattan-style View Bar boasts fantastic river views, floor-to-ceiling windows, and luxurious decor.
Radisson BLU Hotel and Spa, Sligo - Book now at Booking.com
Just a short drive from the Golf Club, this is a comfortable and well-appointed hotel with a swimming pool and a fitness club. The Brasserie serves a super buffet breakfast each day, including homemade pastries, fresh fruit, and Irish bread. The modern evening menu is served against views of Sligo Bay.
County Sligo Golf Club at Rosses Point, Colt Championship Links Gallery
County Sligo Golf Club at Rosses Point, Colt Championship Links Historical Top 100 Ranking UK&I
- 2025/26 - 81
- 2023/24 - 86
- 2021/22 - 90
- 2019/20 - 89
- 2017/18 - 87
- 2015/16 - 93
Frequently Asked Questions
Does County Sligo host the West of Ireland Amateur Golf Championship?
County Sligo is host to the first big amateur competition of the season, where no lesser figures than four times Major winner Rory McIlroy and three times Major winner Padraig Harrington cut their teeth as young up-and-coming players.
Harrington won his first senior title in 1994 at Rosses Point, while McIlroy was the youngest ever winner of the West in 2005 at the tender age of 15 and he made it a double by holding onto the title the following year.
What else is there to do in Rosses Point?
The village has a long tradition of seafaring from fishing to merchant navy and leisure. There are two islands within the environs: the smaller Oyster Island and the larger Coney Island. It has been claimed that the more famous New York Coney Island gets its name from the Rosses Point one. There's yachting and fishing and a couple of great pubs to visit.
