County Louth Golf Club: Course Review, Green Fees, Tee Times and Key Info

County Louth Golf Club Key Information

Although County Louth Golf Club dates back to 1892, the course is largely the work of Tom Simpson in 1938. Despite, or rather because of some more recent changes from Tom MacKenzie, it remains traditional, stirring, bracing seaside golf at its best.

It’s a strong layout, regarded as one of the best golf courses in Ireland, that has played host to numerous top-level competitions over the years. It was host to the Irish Open in 2004 and again in 2009 when Shane Lowry famously won the event as an amateur. County Louth is a regular host to the East of Ireland Championship.

The wind is almost always a factor at County Louth, or Baltray, and you need to be able to shape the ball both ways to score well.

There’s an excellent selection of holes with four strong par 3s, the pick of which might be the short 15th to a small, well-bunkered target.

From the 12th to the 16th, the holes run through the dunes alongside the sea and there are great views to be had from the elevated 14th tee.

Although the dunes may not be the size of some to be found on Irish links, they are in plentiful supply and provide an excellent frame to many of the holes, particularly around the turn.

It’s really a members club but visitors are made to feel very welcome. As it doesn’t see as much tourist traffic as some of the more commercial venues, the playing surfaces are less distressed and are always in great condition.

County Louth is one of the jewels within Irish Links golf, a true championship venue with a confident yet understated air about it.

What The Top 100 Panel Said

Chris Boakes

If you like your links golf traditionally raw and rugged then County Louth presents the perfect challenge. The course mapping constantly changes direction throughout the round and therefore careful consideration is needed to allow for the wind which I doubt rarely ceases on this exposed stretch of coast. County Louth occupies a peninsula of land bordering both the Irish Sea and coastal estuary which affords some stunning views from the higher tee boxes. A fine example of raw links golf that will appeal to the purists of the game

Shane Santry

In a slightly unusual set up, one negotiates three par 5’s in the first six holes, indeed the back to back par 5’s at 2 and 3, provide an early chance at bolstering a score. I believe this is fairest of all links courses with no blind shots required. It's a latent gem amongst its more famous neighbours, Portmarnock and Royal Co Down, which share the same stretch of coastline.

County Louth Golf Club Location

County Louth Golf Club Green Fees

County Louth Golf Club Course Scorecard

Best Courses Near County Louth Golf Club

ROYAL COUNTY DOWN

With its rollercoaster fairways, blind shots, beautifully natural bunkering and majestic views, Royal County Down delivers a golfing experience without equal. The ride through the dunes is always exhilarating and often challenging with the Mountains of Mourne providing the glorious backdrop. It's the perfect combination of a fine strategic links test and a golf setting to die for.

PORTMARNOCK

Set on a relatively flat and wonderfully sandy peninsula to the north of Dublin, the land at Portmarnock looks like it was always destined for golf. And while it may not have the towering dunes that occur elsewhere in the country, this is a serious championship test that is extremely highly regarded and has long been ranked as one of the country’s very finest golfing examinations.

For more of the finest Irish layouts, check out our guide to the best golf courses in Ireland.

Best Places to Stay Near County Louth Golf Club

The Clubhouse at County Louth - Finding booking information on the club website
There are eight comfortable bedrooms upstairs in the clubhouse at County Louth - all have been recently refurbished and there's a mixture of doubles and twins.

D Hotel Drogheda - Book now at Booking.com
The D Hotel sits on the banks of the River Boyne in Drogheda town centre.  Rooms are comfortable and spacious. There's a steakhouse and bar.

Scholars Townhouse Hotel - Book now at Booking.com
Originally built in 1867, this charming town house has been tastefully renovated in a modern style, whilst retaining its historic charm, with stained glass windows and high coved ceilings. It's right in the centre of the town of Drogheda.

County Louth Golf Club Course Gallery

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County Louth Golf Club Historical Top 100 Ranking UK&I

• 2023/24 - 62
• 2021/22 - 59
• 2019/20 - 53
• 2017/18 - 55
• 2015/16 - 59
• 2013/14 - 56
• 2011/12 - 53
• 2009/10 - 75

Frequently Asked Questions