Royal Portrush golf course in Portrush, County Antrim, Northern Ireland - Links course designed by Harry Colt, established 1888
Northern IrelandLinks

Royal Portrush

Portrush, County Antrim Est. 1888 Harry Colt
2019 Host
Open Championship
1888
Established
Links
Course Type
Top 10
World Ranking
About the Course

Royal Portrush

Royal Portrush is one of the most celebrated links courses in the world and the only golf club outside of Scotland and England to have hosted The Open Championship. The Dunluce Links returned to The Open rota in 2019 after a 68-year absence, delivering one of the most memorable championships in recent history. Set along the dramatic Antrim coastline with views across to the Scottish islands, Royal Portrush combines natural beauty with world-class championship golf.

The course was redesigned by Harry Colt in 1932, and his routing remains largely intact today. The layout features dramatic elevation changes, deep pot bunkers, and greens that demand precision and creativity. The famous Calamity Corner — the par-3 14th hole — is one of the most challenging and iconic short holes in championship golf, with a deep ravine waiting to swallow any shot that misses the green.

Playing Royal Portrush is an experience that combines history, natural beauty, and pure golfing challenge. The opening holes climb through the dunes with panoramic coastal views, while the inward nine features some of the most demanding holes in links golf. The 5th hole, with its elevated tee and stunning views of the White Rocks and Dunluce Castle ruins, is one of the most photographed holes in golf. Royal Portrush represents links golf at its absolute finest.

18Holes
72Par
7,337Yards
Royal Portrush golf course view showcasing Links design by Harry Colt
Est.1888
Signature Holes

Notable Holes

A selection of the most memorable and challenging holes on the course

5

White Rocks

411 yardsPar 4

One of the most spectacular holes in golf, played from an elevated tee with panoramic views of the White Rocks, Dunluce Castle ruins, and the Atlantic Ocean. The drive must carry a valley to reach the fairway, and the approach is played to a green set against the dramatic coastal backdrop.

7

Curran Point

593 yardsPar 5

A magnificent par 5 that plays along the edge of the property with views to the Scottish islands. The hole doglegs right around the coastline, and the green is set on a plateau with deep bunkers protecting the entrance. Strategic positioning is crucial on this risk-reward hole.

14

Calamity Corner

210 yardsPar 3

One of the most famous and feared par 3s in golf. The tee shot must carry a deep ravine to reach a narrow green perched on the far side. Any shot that misses the green faces a near-impossible recovery from the steep slopes and thick rough. This hole has decided countless championships.

16

236 yardsPar 3

A brutally long par 3 that plays into the prevailing wind. The green is protected by deep bunkers and the hole demands a perfect strike with a long iron or hybrid. This is one of the toughest holes on the course and a true test of ball-striking ability.

17

548 yardsPar 5

A reachable par 5 that offers the chance for birdie or eagle, but danger lurks everywhere. The drive must avoid bunkers on both sides, and the approach to the green requires precision. This hole often plays a crucial role in championship outcomes.

18

474 yardsPar 4

A demanding finishing hole that plays uphill to the clubhouse. The drive must find the fairway, and the approach is played to an elevated green protected by bunkers. A par here is always a good score and a fitting end to one of the world's great championship links.

Gallery

Course Views

Royal Portrush golf course view 1 showing Links features and landscape
Royal Portrush golf course view 2 showing Links features and landscape
Royal Portrush golf course view 3 showing Links features and landscape
Royal Portrush golf course view 4 showing Links features and landscape
Royal Portrush golf course view 5 showing Links features and landscape