Delivering 54 holes of superb golf in total, all spectacularly set on Ulster’s stunning Causeway Coast, this course offers something for every golfer. The Strand is a true championship links course and the glittering jewel in Portstewart’s crown. The Riverside is a perfect day out for the casual golfer. And the Old Course runs along the gorgeous rocky shore to the east. You’re really spoilt for choice here.
About Portstewart golf club – Brief history
- Founded in 1894
- Originally just 9 holes on 26 acres of land, in all 1495 yards
- Extended in 1904 to provide a more challenging nine holes
- Extended to 12 holes in 1916, open for play in 1918
- Enlarged to 18 holes in 1934, designed by Mr R C Davison and James Rea
- The first Club house was built in 1895, replaced in 1931
- In 1907 the building of a new links course at Strand Head was approved
- Willie Park improved the course in the 1920s
- In 1986 the present 18-hole layout plus a 9 hole course known as the Riverside were created, opened in 1990
- In 1999 Riverside was extended to 18 holes, opening in 2003
- A new Riverside clubhouse was completed in 2009
- In 1931 the first major competition took place on the Strand Course, the Irish Native Professional Golf Championship
- Hosted the Ulster Professional Golfers Championship in 1946
- In 1960, it hosted the Irish Amateur Close Championship
- In 1974, it hosted the IPGA Championships
- 1982 and 1983 saw the Smirnoff Irish Ladies PGA Open held here
- In 1984 The Ulster Professional Championship returned after a gap of almost 40 years
- Hosted the All Ireland Mixed Foursomes in 1986
- Hosted the Irish Amateur Close in 1992
- Host to the 1995 GUI National Cups and Shields Finals
- Host to the 1998 Senior Inter-Provincials
- Hosted the 2000 Ladies Senior Inter-Provincials
- Host to the 2004 British Ladies Senior Championship and the 2006 British Girls Championship
- In 2010 hosted the Irish Ladies Amateur
- Host to the 2014 Amateur Championship
Portstewart scorecard
View The Portstewart Scorecard
Featured hole – Hole 1
The first hole at Portstewart's Strand course is a stunner. It's healthily feared - known as one of the game's most intimidating holes, a wicked 427 yard par 4 that hurtles downhill at breakneck speed. Some declare it the finest opening hole in links golf. The first tee is elevated, with imposing beach and ocean views, and a tricky dogleg to your right demands accuracy right off the tee.
Known for a supremely challenging first eight
The Strand course at Portstewart offers much more than one of the most challenging opening holes in links golf. The following seven holes are new and demand some serious skill. Nestling among enormous sand dunes, of which the most challenging is probably the par-3 6th. At just 140 yards long it leads to a plateau green, exposing the player to capricious and unpredictable Atlantic gales.
Portstewart golf vacations
A Portstewart golf vacation is the highlight of any golfing enthusiast’s tour of Ireland, and tee time is always in such high demand. To find out more about this remarkable course or the top class Portstewart golf and accommodation packages we provide, please contact us. At The Experience Ireland we pride ourselves on our attention to detail and unrivalled industry knowledge – all so that we can deliver the golf vacation of your dreams.