Lahinch Golf Club

When Alister Mackenzie arrived at Lahinch in 1927, he was given carte blanche by the membership to completely redesign the course, but with two exceptions: the Klondyke and Dell. Leaving these one of a kind holes intact, the Good Doctor moved most of the holes into the rolling coastal dunes, leaving his own memorable imprint on the links. The view from the 9th tee and the tempting short par-4 13th being chief among them.

Over the years, much of Mackenzie’s work was lost to the hands of a tinkering green committee, especially his inspiring putting surfaces which were deemed to be too difficult and softened beyond recognition. Recently, the club employed Dr. Martin Hawtree - the R&A’s “Open Doctor” - to restore much of Mackenzie’s design, and the results were simply outstanding. So much so that Lahinch was tapped as host for the 2019 Irish Open. The event’s first visit to a links on the famed Southwest coast of Ireland in nearly two decades.

For many, a round at Lahinch is the Irish equivalent to places like Cruden Bay, Royal Dornoch, and Brora. The rolling expanse of dunes, alongside such quirky holes as the Klondyke and Dell, yields an almost spiritual connection to the game in its earliest form. That men like Old Tom Morris and Alister Mackenzie held Lahinch in such high regard only adds to this sensation.

Of course, no story of Lahinch is complete without a mention of their expert weathermen. If the famous Lahinch goats are near the clubhouse when you arrive, we advise you to pack the waterproofs… You’re likely in for a wet one.

But no matter the weather, the day at Lahinch is sure to be a memorable one as well.