No 6 - Ballybunion - Old

Ballybunion Old course offers an excellent all-round test. This famous County Kerry links is thoroughly deserving of a spot in our top 10

Ballybunion

6 BALLYBUNION – Old

Architect: T Simpson 2006 position: 6 Stats: 6,598 yds; par 71; SSS 72 GF: €185-€280 T: 00353 68 27146 W: ballybuniongolfclub.ie

The famous County Kerry links is thoroughly deserving of a spot in our top 10.

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As the course works closer to the Atlantic from the 6th, you embark on a thrilling journey that will challenge every facet of your game.

One of my favourite things about Ballybunion is just how thoroughly it tests you around the greens.

Many of them are raised with run-offs – especially to the sides – which takes the chip-and-run off the table, leaving you facing delicate shots off tight lies to firm surfaces.

To play to handicap you must either hit the greens or have a masterful touch. A very clever golf course. JE

+ Excellent all-round test; warm, genuine welcome; wonderful setting - Takes a while to escape the houses; awash with “trophy” golfers at times

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Where next?
>>> Top 100 Golf Courses: No. 7 Back to the Top 100 Golf Courses list - An introduction to Golf Monthly's Top 100 Golf Courses by editor, Mike Harris - Who makes up The Top 100 Golf Courses panel? - How do Golf Monthly assess the Top 100 Golf courses?

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Jeremy Ellwood
Contributing Editor

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