Royal Dublin Golf Club, Dublin
Founded in 1885, Royal Dublin is Ireland’s oldest links. Its clubhouse sums up the quality and history embraced by the traditional out-and-back routing at one end of Bull Island. There are no big dunes here – this is about the natural twists and turns that make bump-and-run links golf a joy to play. Low, subtle and often narrow fairways lead into exceptional greens… but be warned: the bunkers may prove your undoing.
You can expect a windy assault when you reach the turn for the prevailing winds that made the front nine play benignly can hit you hard all the way home. Low struck shots may be the only way to play this back nine. Why not take inspiration from the plaque beside the 16th tee, where Christy O’Connor Senior started one of the greatest finishes in Irish golf, playing the last three holes in five under par to win the Carrolls International in 1966.
Favourite Hole: It is hard to look beyond the par four 18th, a hole that offers a birdie opportunity if you get a good drive away. This right angled hole can also leave a scorecard in tatters.
What's in the Bag? Links golf as it is meant to be played…
low, cunning and relentlessly searching your golfing abilities.