This it isn't really a true links course, but that small fact hardly matters when Old Head Golf Course is widely acknowledged as one of the planet's best golf destinations. Dramatic landscapes and a unique layout make for a memorable playing experience. The course is extremely well designed, with five par 5s, five par 3s and eight par 4s. Nine of the holes run directly along the cliff tops.
About Old Head Golf Club – Brief history
- Built on a dramatic promontory
- Designed by Ron Kirby, Paddy Merrigan, Liam Higgins, Eddie Hackett, Dr. Joe Carr and Haulie O'Shea in 1997
- Ranked 14th on Golf Digest Ireland's 2016 Top 100 list
- Ranked 8th on Golf magazine's Top 18 course in Ireland list
- Voted the most spectacular course in the world by Links magazine in 2011
Old Head scorecard
View The Old Head scorecard
Featured hole – Hole 12
The 12th at Old Head is growing in reputation and legend. A 564 Yard Par 5, this is an uphill tee shot to a fairway high on Old Head's cliffs, complete with crashing waves on either side. The fairway narrows towards the slim isthmus connecting Old Head to the mainland and there's just one bunker to your right, along the short grass 100 yards from the green itself. Your putting surface is on the left-hand edge of the cliffs, which means your approach shot must try and avoid sending your ball into the ocean. Make no mistake, this really is one of the greatest par fives in the world, a more than worthy foe for any dedicated lover of the game.
Known for its extraordinary setting and blind holes
The setting is astonishingly beautiful: raw and rugged with atmosphere in spades. But it's the top-quality holes that makes this such a special course. Designed by a collective of world-class experts. The late Eddie Hackett was an Irish golf pro as well as a respected designer. Dr Joe Carr was Ireland's most successful international amateur, and Paddy Merrigan a famed Australian course architect. Ron Kirby used to design at Jack Nicklaus's Golf Design Services. Liam Higgins, one of Ireland's best-known golf pro’s, completed the line-up. And the result is genuinely mind-blowing.
Old Head Golf Club golfing vacations
The Experience Ireland are expert, highly respected providers of the finest Ireland golf vacations. If you’re looking to play golf on Old Head Golf Club, we offer a fantastic range of golf and accommodation, all of which can be personally customised to suit you. Contact us to find out more about booking the golfing break of a lifetime.
Featured Old Head Golf Club Package:
South West 7 Nights 5* Programme: Our Ireland golf vacations offer the chance to experience some of the finest courses the country has to offer, and the South West coast of Ireland is in particular famed as one of the greatest golfing areas in the world. Why not experience it for yourself? This package includes 6 incredible rounds of golf on world-famous courses, including Old Head itself, Ballybunion and Lahinch. Sumptuous 5* hotels will elevate your experience to the next level, with sumptuous accommodation and a full daily Irish Breakfast to enjoy, as well as an evening meal for one night of your stay. Also included as standard is an Airport meet-and-greet service and full transfers to your hotel and between the golf courses every day.