Royal Portrush Dunluce Course Key Information
Royal Portrush Golf Club
Even before the most recent changes, this was one of golf’s most thrilling and famous links. It is packed with wow-factor and a number of world-class holes. For anyone wanting to experience the best of the best, Royal Portrush is a very genuine and worthy must-play.
Reasons To Play Royal Portrush
– Eighteen strong and engaging holes including some world-beaters
– A thrilling links worthy of hosting two remarkably adjacent Open Championships
– Some even consider it a worthy rival for Royal County Down, the leading course in the Top 100
Rankings
UK & Ireland Top 100 Golf Courses 2025/26 - 07
Although the Valley Course at Royal Portrush Golf Club is highly regarded, it is the Dunluce that is right up there among the very best links courses in the Top 100 Golf Courses UK & Ireland. It was designed by the godfather of golf course design, Harry Colt, and even before the changes that were applied in preparation for hosting the 2019 Open Championship, there were plenty who felt it was a contender for the best course in the whole of Ireland. It vies for top spot in the list of the best golf courses in Northern Ireland, and is unquestionably one of the best links courses in the UK.
As did many, I always felt that the one weakness of the design used to be a pair of less impressive and comparatively anticlimactic finishing holes. Happily, these were replaced prior to the return of The Open by Martin Ebert who introduced the new par-5 7th and par-4 8th. They fit in seamlessly with the previous holes, and each won instant acclaim and approval. Various other improvements were incorporated to what was already a magnificent course that rightly attracts golfers from all over the world.
The course is packed with feature holes with the 5th a real personal favourite. This spectacular par 4 runs from an elevated tee down to the fairway, before turning right towards the ocean. There is the classic question of just how much of the corner do you take on! The final par 3 is another cracker. The super-tough 16th, Calamity Corner, can require almost any club in the bag as you attempt to fly the ball over a deep and unforgiving chasm. There are no bunkers here, and none are needed. It is considered by some to be one of the best par 3s in the world.
The Dunluce Course is a wonderfully natural and extremely good-looking links that is completely at one with its environment and is a personal favourite. Much is done at Royal Portrush to encourage a diverse ecosystem where flora and fauna flourish, all of which adds to the enjoyment of an already wonderful round of golf.
So successful was the 2019 Open Championship, that the world's greatest tournament is returning here this Summer - I cannot wait to see it!
What's new for 2025/26? What our panellists said...
Any trip to play golf at Royal Portrush is memorable and the experience starts on arrival, continues as you play one of the best links courses in the world, and finishes with the warmth and hospitality available in the wonderful clubhouse. Take any chance to play here, it is a fantastic experience.
A truly world-class links with towering duneland and excellent practice facilities, augmented by a welcoming culture amongst the staff. The addition of two new holes within the closing stages of the front nine serves only to cement the place of RPGC’s hallowed links within the echelons of the world’s best.
The test and challenge is quite simply tough and exacting. One to perhaps play at the beginning of the season when the rough hasn’t grown waist high and the heather isn’t in flower!
A tough and testing course in a wonderful setting. Just making the edge of the par-3 sixteenth with driver was my memory of the day!
For me, my number one course and definitely in the top 5! A beautiful course, immaculately presented. Great staff and a real warm welcome in the clubhouse made this a special day for me.
Royal Portrush Golf Club Location
Royal Portrush Dunluce Course Scorecard
Best Courses Near To Royal Portrush
Best Places To Stay Close To Royal Portrush
The Adelphi - Book now via Booking.com
The award-winning Adelphi Portrush offers 4-star luxury in the Portrush town centre. Guests have an on-site bistro, luxury rooms and free access to a health suite with a spa, sauna and steam room.
All Seasons, Portrush - Book now via Booking.com
Rooms are equipped with a desk, tea making facilities and a Dolce Gusto coffee machine, and the TVs have Netflix. A continental breakfast can be enjoyed at the property and a full English breakfast is also available.
Royal Portrush Dunluce Course Gallery
Historical Top 100 Rankings UK&I
- 2025/26 07
- 2023/24 08
- 2021/22 08
- 2019/20 08
- 2017/18 13
- 2015/16 11
- 2013/14 12
- 2011/12 15
- 2009/10 16
Frequently Asked Questions
Will The Open be going back to Royal Portrush again?
Such was the positive feedback from the 2019 Open that it is already scheduled to return here this year - and there is every chance it will be back again not too long after that!
How many courses are there at Royal Portrush?
There are two, full-length links here, with the Valley Course a very enjoyable companion to the Dunluce Links.
What did Jordan Spieth say after competing in The Open at Royal Portrush?
“This tournament and Augusta are my two favourite events in the entire world, and it never disappoints. And it didn't here. It was awesome.”
