Waterville Golf Links Key Information
Waterville Golf Links
One of the great joys but also drawbacks of Waterville is that it really is quite a long way from anywhere else. However, the pluses heavily outweigh the minuses and more than reward the effort made to get to this idyllic outpost of County Kerry on Ireland’s spectacular Atlantic coast. This is a supreme links in a heavenly setting that is an equal mix of strategic test and visual delight from start to finish.
Reasons To Play Waterville
– This beautiful and expansive championship links sits on the edge of the world
– The journey here is an adventure in itself and really whets the appetite
– Panoramic mountain and sea views accompany you all the way
Rankings
UK & Ireland Top 100 Golf Courses 2025/26 - 23
I have been lucky enough to visit Waterville Golf Links a couple of times. It is blessed with a very special setting where golf was first played a very long time ago. Back then, it was at a more basic level and eventually it petered out altogether. Happily, in the 1960s, this amazing plot of land was taken over by Irish-born American Jack Mulcahy. Thus began the journey to the Top 100 Golf Courses UK & Ireland. It was his ambition to create here one of the most testing courses in the world, and so he recruited leading Irish architect Eddie Hackett, as well as former Masters champion, Claude Harmon. The resulting links opened for play 50 years ago in 1973 and it is one of the very best golf courses in Ireland.
Such is the location and topography that it soon had the look and feel of a course that had been sitting there forever. It is almost completely surrounded by water, there are glorious views over to the mountains, and it is an excellent test of golf. In more recent times, Tom Fazio has worked here with the aim of ensuring that the look and feel is more consistent throughout while at the same time enhancing the challenge and improving the links playing surfaces. It was Fazio who helped raise The Golf Course at Adare Manor to the next level.
There are two returning loops of nine to the east and west, with the opening two holes leading you enticingly down to the shore. The next two hug the edge of the dunes and the beach, a par 4 followed by the first short hole with its green in the dunes. A succession of strong holes leads you back to the extremely smart clubhouse for some hopefully well-earned halftime refreshments.
I feel that the back nine is even stronger and it includes three par 5s raising the hope of a birdie. Strong closing holes are ideal to leave you wanting more, and Waterville delivers these in abundance. Having returned to the shoreline at the 15th, the lie of the land at the next seems to beckon you towards the water. The hole is 386 yards from the back, but former European Tour pro Liam Higgins once recorded a hole in one here! The penultimate hole is a stunning par 3 with sensational views from the green before you return home via a par 5 where the beach is a constant threat until you’re safely there.
The west coast of Ireland is one of my favourite places, blessed with some spectacular courses such as Ballybunion and Tralee, and Waterville is a very special course in a very special location.
What's new for 2025/26? What our panellists said...
Waterville is a legend of the game. It’s a more gentle challenge than many other west coast links, but feels less gimmicky as a result.
Beyond the technicalities, Waterville offers a deeper connection with the natural world. The rugged beauty of the surrounding landscape serves as a reminder of our place in the grand tapestry of existence. The crashing waves, the cry of seabirds, and the scent of salty air awaken a sense of awe and reverence within.
Waterville Golf Links Location
Waterville Links Scorecard
Best Courses Near To Waterville Links
Best Places To Stay Near To Waterville
Waterville House - Book now via Waterville Golf Links
This elegant 18th century Georgian manor house is the perfect place to stay when playing Waterville Golf Links.
Butler Arms Hotel - Book now via Booking.com
Directly opposite the beach, this hotel has views of the Atlantic Ocean and offers spacious rooms and a seafood restaurant. Traditional Irish breakfasts are served and the restaurant has a varied menu and daily fish specials. There is a traditional bar menu on offer at the Fisherman's Bar.
The Smugglers Inn - Book now via Booking.com
Most rooms have sea or mountain views, and the hotel has a bar and a gourmet restaurant specialising in fresh seasonal local produce and seafood. There is a gastro bar food menu and a garden for al fresco dining at lunchtime, weather permitting.
Waterville Golf Links Gallery
Historical Top 100 Rankings UK&I
- 2025/26 - 23
- 2023/24 - 22
- 2021/22 - 20
- 2019/20 - 21
- 2017/18 - 18
- 2015/16 - 15
- 2013/14 - 11
- 2011/12 - 08
- 2009/10 - 09
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Waterville?
One of the absolute joys of Waterville is its remote setting on the furthest shores of County Kerry in Ireland. It is the most westerly course in the Top 100, and any effort made to get here is amply rewarded by the beauty and serenity of the location.
Has Waterville hosted the Irish Open?
Not yet, but this is probably only for logistical reasons; it would be a long drive for spectators. The course itself is more than capable of hosting a professional event, but has so far staged amateur tournaments such as the women’s home internationals.
Which famous golfers have played at Waterville?
Prior to the 1998 Open Championship, Tiger Woods, Mark O’Meara and Payne Stewart played here. Stewart also accepted the captaincy of Waterville, but sadly died before he could take office.
