The Best Clubhouse Views Across the Pond

At the great links golf courses across the pond, outstanding views are in no short supply. Although you’ll find plenty of inspired moments on the course, the best views are sometimes found inside the clubhouse. Our advice… Step inside, order a pint, enjoy the hospitality, and soak up the view. Here are seven of our favorite clubhouses to do just that.

Cruden Bay Golf Club

The Cruden Bay Golf Club is a magical place to play the game. So much so, that when the round is over, you’re unlikely to want to leave. Thankfully, the magic continues inside the clubhouse, where the comfortable bar offers one of the best views in Scottish golf. The sweeping panorama includes the Cruden Bay links, the sea, and the ruins of Slains Castle–believed to be the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Combine the view with quality fare and friendly club members, and your bonus time at Cruden Bay may last a little longer than you think.

Photo courtesy of Cruden Bay Golf Club

Waterville Golf Links

For many golfers, Waterville Golf Links is the Irish equivalent to Cruden Bay. It’s the kind of place that inspires the golfer to linger, and the recently renovated clubhouse provides the perfect setting. The revamped bar and restaurant is a comfortable oasis to enjoy a post-round meal and toast. But one thing that didn’t change during the renovation… The spectacular view from the clubhouse patio.

Machrihanish Golf Club

After a devastating fire in 2018, the clubhouse at Machrihanish Golf Club has returned better than ever. The new clubhouse showcases its best asset - the stunning view - with floor to ceiling windows and an outdoor patio. If you thought the opening tee shot at Machrihanish was great, wait until you see the view from here.

Photo courtesy of John Gillespie

Tralee Golf Links

Arnold Palmer once said of Tralee Golf Links… “I may have designed the front-9, but surely God designed the back-9.” When your round at Tralee is over, the best place to survey both God’s and The King’s work is from the newly renovated clubhouse. The view up the coast seems to stretch on for miles, and is certain to rank among the highlights of your time in Southwest Ireland.

Brora Golf Club

The 18th hole at Brora Golf Club is memorable for a couple of reasons. The first is the demanding, uphill tee shot required by the par-3 closing hole. The second is the clubhouse perched behind the green and the peering eyes of golfers in the bar. After putting out on the 18th, our advice is to head inside and join them. The view from the other side of the glass is far more enjoyable.

Photo courtesy of Brora Golf Club

Crail Golfing Society

Like Brora, the 18th hole at Crail Golfing Society finishes in the shadow of its clubhouse. After making the arduous climb up to the clubhouse, you’ll want to invest a few minutes inside. There you’ll find one of the best views in Scottish golf and delicious fare. The perfect combination to end your day on the Balcomie Links.

Ardglass Golf Club

The castle turned clubhouse at Ardglass Golf Club is the oldest in the game of golf. Before your time at Ardglass is over, head upstairs and step out onto one of the outdoor nooks. Besides being over 600 years in the making, the view is one of the finest in all of Ireland. It also illustrates an old saying for the opening tee shot at Ardglass…

All of Ireland is to the right.

What is your favorite clubhouse view across the pond?