Lahinch Golf Club Old Course Key Information
There’s a great mix of holes at Lahinch, some asking for raw power, others for a more subtle approach. The natural contours of the land and the ever-present wind make for a superb natural test. A superb design that has stood the test of time and been sympathetically improved in recent years. It's rugged golf but with a polished finish.
REASONS TO PLAY LAHINCH GOLF CLUB OLD COURSE
– Brilliant and testing links layout
– Great example of Dr Alister MacKenzie architecture (together with other notable contributors
– Great competitive history, including recent Irish Open
RANKINGS
UK & Ireland Top 100 Golf Courses 2025/26 - 24
Lahinch, an Irish stalwart of our Top 100 golf courses UK&I rankings, played host to a thrilling Irish Open in 2019, won in some style by Jon Rahm. The event showcased the quality of the design and test offered by the Old Course, which is one of the best golf courses in Ireland. That, combined with the extensive works described above, has seen Lahinch climb to six places to 26th on the 2020/21 ranking.
Golf at Lahnich on the County Clare coast began in 1892 when two officials of Limerick Golf Club laid out 18 holes with the assistance of officers from the “Black Watch” regiment. Old Tom Morris made improvements in 1894 but it was Dr Alister MacKenzie who, in 1927, created the course largely still in play today.
The Old Course is one of the finest examples of MacKenzie’s architectural prowess. His use of natural slopes and raised greens created a superb and rugged test of links golf.
Between 1999 and 2003 Martin Hawtree completed a renovation project to bring the striking links into line with the modern game in a way sympathetic to the MacKenzie design. In my opinion, it was a great success.
I find a round at Lahinch an exciting adventure as well as an exacting test. It’s a supremely natural course and one where every shot in the bag will be tested. The fairways run through huge grass-covered dunes to fast greens with devilish run-offs.
Combine all this with perfect bunker placement, you have a supremely strategic test and one I think is firm but fair.
There’s a great mix of holes, some asking for raw power, others for a more subtle approach. The natural contours of the land and the ever-present wind make for a superb natural test.
Lahinch added new Championship Tees on Holes 13 & 18, extending course length to 7066 yards. Significant work was completed on grass surfaces, bunkers and all areas of the golf course ahead of the hosting of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open in July 2019. Other recent improvements include a new halfway facility opened during 2020, extensive repair/maintenance programme of work was carried out on the coastal defence structure (rock armour) and new practice facilities were added, including a driving range tee box complex and the construction of an indoor performance centre.
What's new for 2025/26? What our panellists said…
The dunes at Lahinch are the immediate standout. They’re big and bold but never overwhelming. It is indeed a tricky place to score well on a breezy day, but the playing corridors are wide and there’s plenty of room to miss, provided you don’t miss in the sea or on the adjacent road! Rough management was noticeably excellent. Punishing in the sense that you may get a poor lie, but it was well managed and balls were easily located. Lahinch is what links golf in Ireland is all about.
Lahinch, like St Andrews, is a part of the town. Walking to the course, past the goat statue and in the clubhouse to be greeted by historical pictures, famous golfers and the welcoming staff is a perfect start to the day. The great and the good have played Lahinch and it’s an experience to savour.
Lahinch Golf Club Old Course Location
Lahinch Golf Club requires visitors playing the Old Course to take at least one caddie in the group. If caddies are not pre-booked, the Club will arrange for a minimum of one fore-caddie to accompany each group.
Lahinch Golf Club Old Course Scorecard
Best Courses Near To Lahinch Golf Club Old Course
For more great courses nearby, check out our guide to the best golf courses in Ireland.
Best Places to Stay Near Lahinch Golf Club Old Course
Lahinch Coast Hotel and Suites - Book now at Booking.com
Just off the beach, Lahinch Coast Hotel and Suites offers a seasonal sauna, spa bath, and a steam room. There's the cozy Aberdeen Bar, with a fireplace and the Dunes Restaurant serves home-cooked meals and full Irish breakfasts between March and November.
Vaughan Lodge Hotel - Book now at Booking.com
Very good location close to the village and the golf course. Spacious rooms, good breakfasts and fine dining in the evenings. A family run hotel.
Lahinch Golf Club Old Course Gallery
Lahinch Golf Club Old Course Historical Top 100 Ranking UK&I
- 2025/26 - 24
- 2023/24 - 26
- 2021/22 - 26
- 2019/20 - 32
- 2017/18 - 28
- 2015/16 - 26
- 2013/14 - 23
- 2011/12 - 16
- 2009/10 - 11
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a caddie at Lahinch?
The Club requires visitors playing the Old Course to take at least one caddie in the group. If caddies are not pre-booked, the Club will arrange for a minimum of one fore-caddie to accompany each group.
How do you get a tee time at Lahinch?
You can either book online using the club's website or you can phone them directly on 00 353 65 708 1003.
