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The Global Golfer Top 100
Royal Portrush — Dunluce Links
Portrush, County Antrim, Northern Ireland · #4 in the World
Location: Portrush, County Antrim, Northern Ireland | Ranking: #4 — The Global Golfer Top 100
Type: Links | Partner Stay: The Causeway Hotel; Bushmills Inn
Editor’s Note: Royal Portrush is the most spectacular setting on the Open Championship rota. Draped along the Antrim coast with Dunluce Castle emerging from the cliff-top opposite, and Calamity Corner — the par-3 16th plunging to the beach — producing the most photographed moment in Irish golf. The 2019 Open was the most emotional in recent memory; the 2025 Open confirmed Portrush as one of the truly great championship venues.
1. Travel & Logistics
- How to Get There: Portrush is on the North Antrim Coast, 60 miles north of Belfast via the M2 and A26.
- Nearest Airport: Belfast International (BFS) — 55 mins. Belfast City George Best (BHD) — 1h. Dublin (DUB) — 2h 30m.
- The Coastal Route: Drive the Causeway Coastal Route from Belfast — passing the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Dunluce Castle.
2. Contact & Booking
- Tel: +44 (0)28 7082 2311 | Email: info@royalportrushgolfclub.com
- Website: royalportrushgolfclub.com
- How to Book: Visitor tee times available Monday–Friday. Handicap certificate required (max 24 men, 36 ladies). Book minimum 3 months ahead for summer.
- Course Rating / Slope: Championship: 76.3 / 145 | Medal: 74.0 / 140
- Green Fees: From £260 per round (visitor weekday)
3. Championship Scorecard
| Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | OUT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Par | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 36 |
| Yards | 425 | 505 | 395 | 481 | 409 | 189 | 431 | 167 | 475 | 3,477 |
Par 4
Par 3
Par 5
Total
| Hole | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | IN | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Par | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 35 | 71 |
| Yards | 412 | 170 | 392 | 377 | 211 | 365 | 236 | 508 | 421 | 3,092 | 7,317 |
4. Hole-by-Hole Strategy
Hole 1 — Hughie’s (Par 4, 425 Yards)
- Strategy: An inviting opening tee shot down a wide fairway — deceptively so. The green is protected by a steep slope short-right. Aim slightly left-centre to open the green approach.
Hole 5 — White Rocks (Par 4, 409 Yards)
- Strategy: The first of Portrush’s great coastal holes — views of the White Rocks beach and Dunluce Castle to the left. The green slopes left toward the sea.
Hole 14 — Calamity Corner I (Par 3, 211 Yards)
- Strategy: A long iron or fairway wood across a deep ravine to a narrow, exposed green. The drop to the left is immediate and severe. In the 2019 Open, this hole destroyed three major championship hopes in a single afternoon.
Hole 16 — Calamity Corner II (Par 3, 236 Yards)
- Strategy: The most photographed hole in Northern Irish golf — a long par 3 with a plunging drop to the East Strand beach on the left. In strong wind, this is effectively a driver hole. Simply one of the most dramatic short holes in world golf.
Hole 18 — Home (Par 5, 421 Yards)
- Strategy: The shortest par 5 on the championship rota — a tight tee shot, a strategic second avoiding bunkers, and an approach to a well-protected green with the clubhouse as backdrop.
5. The 19th Hole — Where to Stay & Dine
- Bushmills Inn (4★): The finest hotel on the Causeway Coast — turf fires, low ceilings and the Bushmills distillery next door. 20 minutes from Portrush. Book via Expedia →
- The Causeway Hotel (3★): Right beside the Giant’s Causeway — the most dramatic hotel location on the Antrim Coast.
- 55 North, Portrush: The best restaurant on the Causeway Coast — seafood and beef sourced within 10 miles.
- Don’t Miss: Bushmills Whisky Distillery tour (20 mins). The Giant’s Causeway (15 mins) is mandatory.