The Complete Guide to Royal Portrush

Royal Portrush History

Founded in 1888, Royal Portrush was first known as the County Golf Club. The club opened with a 9-hole golf course, which Old Tom Morris soon extended to an 18-hole layout.

In 1895, the Prince of Wales and future King Edward VII granted his patronage and the club was renamed the Royal Portrush Golf Club.

After leaving his mark on places like Muirfield and Pine Valley, architect Harry Colt was commissioned in 1929 to design a pair of new courses for Royal Portrush: the Dunluce Links and the Valley Links.

The Dunluce Links quickly gained notoriety and hosted The Open Championship in 1951. The first time the tournament was held outside of Britain.

It would take 68 years for The Open to return, but it did so in spectacular fashion in 2019.

Notable Holes & Features

5th Hole - White Rocks

Without a single bunker found along the way, the dogleg right 5th at Royal Portrush might be one of the purest golf holes in existence. Given the awe-inspiring vista that’s part of the bargain, the absence of hazards is probably a good thing for the distracted golfer. The view, to say the least, is unforgettable.

The 5th at Royal Portrush courtesy of Gary Lisbon Golf Photography.

The New 7th Hole

In advance of The Open's return to the Dunluce Links, there were a variety of course changes at Royal Portrush. Most notably, the 17th and 18th holes were abandoned to make room for the infrastructure required by The Open. In their place, two new holes were inserted into the heart of the course. The standout of the duo is the new 7th, an uphill par-5 that, to quote former Club Secretary Wilma Erskine, is "a mighty hole." An important feature of the hole is the enormous "Wee Nellie" bunker guarding the fairway off the tee. The trap pays homage to the original "Big Nellie" bunker on the old 17th and is best avoided at all costs.

The new 7th hole at Royal Portrush under moody skies.

16th Hole - Calamity Corner

Perhaps the most appropriately named hole in golf, the 236 yard 16th at Royal Portrush will test the nerve of even the best of golfers. An enormous 75 foot deep chasm is positioned short and right of the plateau green, ready to capture any wayward slice. The common miss is here is to the left, however a par from anywhere but the putting surface borders on the miraculous.

The 16th tee at Royal Portrush. It's much scarier looking the other way.

Additional Highlights

Giant’s Causeway

Of all the sightseeing opportunities near Royal Portrush, the Giant's Causeway is by far the most interesting. Irish legend claims the puzzling formations found here are the remains of a causeway built by a giant attempting to cross the North Channel to fight a rival in Scotland. In reality, the 40,000 interlocking columns were created by an ancient volcanic eruption, leaving behind one of the most unusual geological formations in the world. Just 5 miles as the crow flies from Royal Portrush, the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see piece of the Good Life on the Emerald Isle.

A salute to Sean Palmer, PGA of The Union League of Philadelphia for this outstanding photo.

Dunluce Castle

Less than a mile from the pulse racing approach to White Rocks lies the 16th century ruins of Dunluce Castle. A castle has stood on this rocky promontory since the 1300’s, and once notoriously wrecked part of the Spanish Armada. The castle was abandoned in the 17th Century after a portion crumbled into the sea, and it is thought to have inspired C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia.

Dave Thompson, PGA and his Aspen Glen Club members enjoy the view at Dunluce Castle.

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

A short drive from the Giant’s Causway is a Good Life experience that’s equal parts exhilarating and terrifying. The dizzying heights of the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge is not for the faint of heart, but the view from the other side is worth every step.

Just don’t look down.

Pack a picnic and a little bravery when visiting Carrick-a-Rede.

Bushmills Distillery

After battling Calamity Corner and Wee Nellie, a glass of Ireland’s finest will likely be in order. Thankfully, one doesn't need to travel far from Royal Portrush to find the Old Bushmills Distillery. The H&B Concierge suggests a tour of the historic distillery, which is almost universally accepted as the oldest licensed distillery in the world, followed by a wee dram or three in The Gas Bar at the neighboring Bushmills Inn.

Ian Dalzell, PGA and his Huntingdon Valley Country Club members at the Bushmills Distillery.

It's little wonder why Royal Portrush has proven to be a worthy host of The Open and a highlight of any golf trip to the Emerald Isle.

To learn more about Royal Portrush, continue reading our FAQs below or tune-in to On the Tee with H&B with Wilma Erskine, the club's long-time Secretary and the driving force behind The Open's return.

Royal Portrush FAQs

Where is Royal Portrush located?

Royal Portrush is located along the northern coast of Northern Ireland which, itself, is found in the northeast corner of Ireland. If that’s not enough north for you, the club is roughly 60 miles northwest of the vibrant city of Belfast.

When do Royal Portrush tee times become available?

Royal Portrush tee times generally become available in May of the year prior to your trip. This conveniently coincides with tee time availability at the other primary draw in this area: Royal County Down. Traveling golfers aiming to play both should look at Northern Ireland golf trips with an H&B Expedition Planning Manager around March of the year before.

What other golf courses should I play near Royal Portrush?

There are so many outstanding options to enjoy in Northern Ireland, this question required a guide of its own. Learn where else to play at Northern Ireland - Beyond the Royals.

Who designed the Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush?

The Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush was designed by Harry Colt, who lent his expertise to the likes of Royal County Down, Muirfield, and Swinley Forest. Before The Open’s return to Royal Portrush in 2019, the design firm of Mackenzie & Ebert was tapped to make further alterations to the course, including an entirely new 7th and 8th hole.

What are the best holes at Royal Portrush?

There are almost too many to name. The 4th is one of the best par-4s in all of golf, while the 5th, known as White Rocks, features a greenside view that few could forget. The new 7th hole is a beast of a par-5 with a fairway bunker that should be avoided at all costs. On the back-9, the 15th and 16th - known as Skerries and Calamity Corner - is the very definition of a “dynamic duo.” Simply put… You may find that the camera stays out for much of your round.

Are caddies available at Royal Portrush?

Absolutely, and you should take one. Royal Portrush is the only member of The Open rota in Ireland for a reason. It’s a stern test of golf which shouldn’t be attempted alone, at least on the first time through. To learn more about caddies for your upcoming trip, consult our Caddie FAQs.

Is a handicap required to play Royal Portrush?

Yes, golfers are required to carry an 18 handicap or better for males and 24 for females. Be sure to bring a paper or digital copy of your handicap credentials with you, as you may be asked to present it to the starter. And if you need direction on how to establish a handicap, learn more about handicaps for your golf trip.

What are the best sites to see near Royal Portrush?

The Antrim coast, where Royal Portrush is located, is home to a variety of great sightseeing options. Dunluce Castle is right next door, the Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO site that must be seen to be believed, and the nearby Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a thrill-seeker’s delight. Meanwhile, whisky lovers should consider a private tour of the oldest distillery in the world at Bushmills.

How far is Royal Portrush from other notable sites?

• Royal Portrush to Belfast - Approximately 90 minutes
• Royal Portrush to Dublin - Approximately 3.5 hours
• Royal Portrush to Bushmills Distillery - 15 minutes
• Royal Portrush to Giant’s Causeway - 15 minutes
• Royal Portrush to Royal County Down - Approximately 2 hours

Where is the best 19th hole at Royal Portrush?

After your round at Royal Portrush, there’s no shortage of great options for a celebratory pint. The Gas Bar at the Bushmills Inn is one of the oldest and most unique places to raise a glass in Ireland. If you’re heading back to Belfast, the Crown Liquor Saloon is always an entertaining choice. Meanwhile, the Harbour Bar in Portrush is one of the best 19th holes in golf. Be sure to say hello to Willy if you stop in.