No 26 - Doonbeg
Greg Norman's Doonbeg creation overlooking Doughmore Bay is a favourite for many. It's mature beyond its years and offers a first-class, friendly service
26 DOONBEG
Architect: Norman 2006 position: 47 Stats: 6,361 yds; par 72; SSS 71 GF: €200 T: 00353 65 905 5600 W: doonbeggolfclub.com
Those who first had plans for a links in this neck of the County Clare woods in the late 19th century, turned this location down in favour of Lahinch for practical reasons.
They still chose wisely, but left Greg Norman licking his lips 100 years later when a fresh opportunity arose to build a links in the towering dunes overlooking Doughmore Bay.
And he delivered in style. The course kicks off with what some say is the best opening hole in golf to an amphitheatre green, then never lets up as it takes you on a spectacular rollercoaster ride for the next three or four hours. Sensational. JE
+ Mature beyond its years; glorious setting; first-class, friendly service - Bunker on the 12th green not to everyone’s taste; expensive high season
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Jeremy Ellwood (Jezz) has worked in golf since 1993 and for Golf Monthly since 2002 when he started out as equipment editor. He is a senior panelist for Golf Monthly's Top 100 UK & Ireland Course Rankings and has played all the Top 100 plus 94 of the Next 100, making him well-qualified to compare our premier tracks. He has played over 1,100 courses in 35 countries, from remote nine-holers in the Scottish Highlands to grand international resorts, hitting the 1,000 mark on his 60th birthday in October 2023 on Vale do Lobo's Ocean course. Put him on a links course anywhere and he'll be blissfully content.
Contact Jezz on X - @JezzEllwoodGolf
Jeremy is playing...
Driver: Ping G425 LST
3 wood: Srixon ZX
Hybrid: Ping G425
Irons 4- to 11-iron: Honma TWorld TW747Vx
Wedge: Ping Glide 54˚
Putter: Ping Fetch