Waterville Golf Links: Review, Green Fees, Tee Times and Key Info

Waterville Golf Links Key Information

Waterville Golf Links

Waterville Golf Links enjoys a very special setting where golf was first played a very long time ago. Back then, it was at a more basic level and eventually it petered out altogether. Happily, in the 1960s, this amazing plot of land was taken over by Irish-born American Jack Mulcahy. It was his ambition to create here one of the most testing courses in the world, and so he recruited leading Irish architect Eddie Hackett, as well as former Masters champion, Claude Harmon. The resulting links opened for play 50 years ago in 1973 and it is one of the very best golf courses in Ireland.

Such is the location and topography that it soon had the look and feel of a course that had been sitting there forever. It is almost completely surrounded by water, there are glorious views over to the mountains, and it is an excellent test of golf. In more recent times, Tom Fazio has worked here with the aim of ensuring that the look and feel is more consistent throughout while at the same time enhancing the challenge and improving the links playing surfaces. It was Fazio who helped raise The Golf Course at Adare Manor to the next level and return it to the Golf Monthly Top 100.

There are two returning loops of nine to the east and west, with the opening two holes leading you enticingly down to the shore. The next two hug the edge of the dunes and the beach, a par 4 followed by the first short hole with its green in the dunes. A succession of strong holes leads you back to the extremely smart clubhouse for some hopefully well-earned halftime refreshments.

The back nine is arguably even stronger and includes three par 5s raising the hope of perhaps a birdie. Strong closing holes are ideal to leave you wanting more, and Waterville delivers these in abundance. Having returned to the shoreline at the 15th, the lie of the land at the next seems to beckon you towards the water. The hole is 386 yards from the back, but former European Tour pro Liam Higgins once recorded a hole in one here! The penultimate hole is a stunning par 3 with sensational views from the green before you return home via a par 5 where the beach is a constant threat until you’re safely there.

The west coast of Ireland is blessed with some spectacular courses such as Ballybunion and Tralee, and Waterville is a very special course in a very special location.

What The Top 100 Panel Said

Tim Browne

This is an amazing setting on a spit of land that is pure sand and just sticks out into the Atlantic Ocean. It is a beautiful part of Ireland and there are great views from the course. A great Irish links course comparable to many other such links but perhaps with fewer outstanding holes than its rivals.

Robert Dunne

The clubhouse is spectacular. It blends into the surroundings cleverly and from inside provides panoramic views of the course and the coastline. What a course, always a joy to play! The thing that does it for me here is just how natural it is. This is a fantastic place to come and play golf.

Tim Gorman

The greens generally have sharp, deep run-offs and are heavily bunkered. The fairways are mostly generous. There are stunning views with the backdrop of mountains on 300 degrees and water on 3 sides. It’s off the beaten track but well worth all golfers making the effort to get here.

Waterville Golf Links Location

Waterville Golf Links Green Fees

Waterville Links Scorecard

Best Courses Near To Waterville Links

DOOKS

Sometimes a little overlooked in favour of the premier league clubs on the west coast of Ireland, Dooks is in the Next 100 and is an extremely attractive links worthy of any golfer’s attention and time. The views alone are worth the green fee at this genuinely friendly club.

KILLARNEY

Killarney has one of the most beautiful inland locations in golf. The views are sensational and it is all too easy to be distracted, but the Killeen Course is a consistently fine test all the way with plenty of variety and inner beauty.

Best Places To Stay Near To Waterville

Waterville House - Book now via Waterville Golf Links

This elegant 18th century Georgian manor house is the perfect place to stay when playing Waterville Golf Links.

Butler Arms Hotel - Book now via Booking.com

Directly opposite the beach, this hotel has views of the Atlantic Ocean and offers spacious rooms and a seafood restaurant. Traditional Irish breakfasts are served and the restaurant has a varied menu and daily fish specials. There is a traditional bar menu on offer at the Fisherman's Bar.

The Smugglers Inn - Book now via Booking.com

Most rooms have sea or mountain views, and the hotel has a bar and a gourmet restaurant specialising in fresh seasonal local produce and seafood. There is a gastro bar food menu and a garden for al fresco dining at lunchtime, weather permitting.

Waterville Golf Links Gallery

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Historical Top 100 Rankings UK&I

• 2023/24 22
• 2021/22 20
• 2019/20 21
• 2017/18 18
• 2015/16 15
• 2013/14 11
• 2011/12 08
• 2009/10 09

Frequently Asked Questions