The Old Links undulates into the far distance, delivering a hugely enjoyable challenge to golfers of every ability and taste. Adding even more thrills to an already epic experience, Nick Faldo has strengthened The Old Links recently, delighting members and visitors alike with his refreshed vision.
The new Glashedy Links was created to perfection by Pat Ruddy and Tom Craddock, an absolute masterpiece carved out of the sand dunes. At the same time as working on the Glashedy, Craddock and Ruddy carried out improvements to the Old Links. It’s been rated amongst the best in the world, and the dedicated Ruddy has returned over recent years to make it even better, fine-tuning the already brilliant bunkering to perfection.
About Ballyliffin – Brief History
- Home to two 18 hole courses: the classic Old Links and the new Glashedy Links, which opened in 1995
- Ireland's most northerly links course
- Often described as the 'Ballybunion of the north'
- The first 9 holes were officially opened in May 1948
- June, 1949 the Club held its first competitive match
- Work on the 'new' old course began in 1970, when the first 9 holes were created
- By 1973 18 eighteen holes were in play thanks to golf architect Eddie Hackett, with input from two English golf architects Lawrie and Pennick
- Among Nick Faldo's favourite links courses – Faldo himself upgraded the Old Course in 2006
- The Old Links was host to the 2008 Irish Seniors Open
- The Glashedy hosted the Ladies Irish Open in 1998 and the North West of Ireland Open in 2002.
- The current clubhouse was opened in 2000, with spectacular panoramic views of the links and Pollan bay
- The Glashedy was upgraded in 2017 with championship tees on the second and ninth holes plus new fairway bunkers on the first and third
Ballyliffin Scorecard
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Featured hole – Hole 5
Play Ballyliffin golf course for a constant stream of wonderfully tricky shots – though getting a tee time can be quite the challenge! The 5th hole at Ballyliffin is a nail-biting Par-3 short hole nicknamed 'the tank'. Circled by dunes and bunkers, it demands that you play uphill to a green protected on both sides by large, rock-crowned dunes. It’s a full 176 yards onto a stage-like green. Don't let it intimidate you, as an error off the tee could very well end in disaster!
Known for 36 holes of superb golfing challenges
The two courses here are very different in style, but their contrast makes for an exceptional experience. The Glashedy Course features huge, undulating greens, massive bunkers and twisting, rolling fairways under towering sand dunes. It's a long course with wind to match – certainly no stranger to howling Atlantic gales. The Old Course presents an immensely enjoyable challenge whatever your level of skill, with its timeless feel, small and tricky-to-find bunkers and rolling terrain, and is not quite as steep as Glashedy.
Ballyliffin golf vacations
Thanks to our considerable expertise and experience, we’ve put together some amazing Ballyliffin golf vacation deals. All our packages can be fully customised to suit your desired itinerary. To find out more about our Ireland golf vacations, please contact us. Some of the world's finest links golf awaits you.
Featured Ballyliffin golf package:
Northern Ireland 4* 7 Nights: Our Ireland golf vacations offer the chance to experience some of the finest courses the country has to offer. Our Northern Ireland 7 Nights four-star Golf Holiday includes 6 incomparable rounds of golf – two at Royal County Down, and one each at Royal Portrush, Ardglass, Portstewart and of course, Ballyliffin itself. You’ll enjoy a meet-and-greet service on arrival at the airport with full airport return transfers. Over the course of your stay you’ll luxuriate in 4* accommodation and prepare your stomach for the testing day ahead with a full Irish breakfast each day. You’ll also receive one evening meal included as part of your stay. Transfers between the hotel and golf courses ensure you won’t have to worry about a thing.