Ballybunion Golf Club: Old Course Review, Green Fees, Tee Times and Key Info

Ballybunion Golf Club Key Information

Ballybunion Golf Club - Old Course

Founded back in 1893, Ballybunion Golf Club has long held a worldwide reputation that draws in golfing pilgrims from near and far. Since way before the more contemporary additions of other Top 100 favourites such as Tralee, Doonbeg and the greatly improved Adare Manor, it has attracted keen golfers to its more traditional but also very wild and exciting links. It is undoubtedly one of the very best golf courses in Ireland.

Situated on Ireland’s rugged and beautiful Atlantic coast in County Kerry, the opening holes offer a reasonably gentle easing into the round. Things really take off from the 7th hole onwards, as from then just about all the way, you enjoy a thrilling and very scenic adventure through the dunes. Some of the holes cling precariously to the cliff-tops, while others duck and dive their way along and through the sandhills.

Several years ago, the club replaced all of its greens at the same time as improving all of the playing surfaces and paths. This investment has now bedded in, while most recently they have doubled the size of the closing green and enlarged the famous Sahara bunker at the end of its fairway.

Five-time Open champion Tom Watson - the club’s millennium captain who has also advised on a few changes over the years - has been a great fan since first visiting more than 40 years ago. Back then he described it as the best in the world, and that “after playing Ballybunion for the first time, a man would think that the game of golf originated here.”

Picking one standout hole from a course with several is very difficult. Many would probably go for the brilliant par-4 11th - named after the great man, Watsons. This fabulous hole slaloms its way along the shoreline via a series of shelves to a green that is guarded by such a narrow entrance and so many dips and hollows that no bunkering is needed. A par here feels not so much like a birdie as an eagle. The Old Course at Ballybunion, ably supported by the exciting Cashen Course, is one of many brilliant must-play courses along Ireland’s wild west coast.

What The Top 100 Panel Said

Chris Boakes

I would recommend experiencing both courses as they demonstrate how varied links golf can be on a similar slice of land. Likewise, both will open debate and marmite opinions. As with St Andrews being the essential pilgrimage priority of any trip to play the best golf courses in Scotland, Ballybunion occupies the similar post in Irish golf folk lore.

John Winter

Ballybunion is a ‘must play’, but grab the first tee time of the day to fully enjoy its beauty and challenge. The Atlantic coast with its naturalised bunkering and trademark gigantic dunes, perfectly frame many of the holes.

Ballybunion Golf Club Location

Ballybunion Golf Club Green Fees

Ballybunion Golf Club Old Course Scorecard

Best Courses Near To Ballybunion

THE GOLF COURSE AT ADARE MANOR

A few years ago, Tom Fazio redesigned this sumptuous parkland course which is now up there with the best presented in Europe. As at Augusta, to which it can now justifiably be compared, there is no rough to speak of, and the course will host what should be a spectacular 2027 Ryder Cup.

TRALEE

Whereas the back nine was always the star of Arnold Palmer’s magnificent coastal creation, recent improvements have seen this spectacular seaside course seriously up its game. It is now one of the most exciting and entertaining clifftop courses from start to finish.

Places To Stay Near Ballybunion

The 19th Golf Lodge - Book now at Booking.com

This luxurious, 4-star boutique lodge is located directly opposite the golf club. It offers hearty breakfasts and luxury rooms, and has hosted many famous golfing legends, such as Tom Watson and Ian Woosnam.

McMunns of Ballybunion - Book now at Booking.com

This hotel has a garden, a terrace, a restaurant and a bar all just down the road in Ballybunion. There are 8 bright spacious modern rooms, all of which have large high-pressure showers, 42 inch smart TVs, a super-king size bed and Nespresso coffee maker.

Ballybunion Golf Club Gallery

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Historical Top 100 Rankings UK&I

• 2023/24 23
• 2021/22 25
• 2019/20 22
• 2017/18 15
• 2015/16 16
• 2013/14 13
• 2011/12 09
• 2009/10 06

Frequently Asked Questions