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The Global Golfer Top 100
Portstewart Golf Club — Strand Course
Portstewart, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland · #15 in the World
Location: Portrush / Portstewart, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland | Ranking: #15 — The Global Golfer Top 100
Type: Links | Partner Stay: Bushmills Inn; Causeway Hotel
Editor’s Note: Portstewart Strand is the most natural opening sequence in Irish golf — the first three holes along the towering Thistly Hill dunes are among the finest in the British Isles. Often overshadowed by its neighbour Royal Portrush, Portstewart was extended in 2017 specifically to host the Irish Open, and the new Thistly Hill holes more than justify the trip from anywhere in the world.
1. Travel & Logistics
- How to Get There: Portstewart is 2 miles from Portrush on the A2 coast road. Belfast International (BFS) — 60 mins. Dublin Airport — 2h 45m.
2. Contact & Booking
- Tel: +44 (0)28 7083 2015 | Website: portstewartgc.co.uk
- Green Fees: From £175 | Rating / Slope: 75.0 / 140
3. Championship Scorecard
| Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | OUT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Par | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 35 |
| Yards | 425 | 420 | 195 | 450 | 380 | 541 | 165 | 445 | 420 | 3,441 |
Par 4
Par 3
Par 5
Total
| Hole | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | IN | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Par | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 36 | 72 |
| Yards | 455 | 400 | 160 | 450 | 415 | 530 | 400 | 185 | 550 | 3,545 | 7,100 |
4. Key Strategy Notes
- Holes 1–3 (Thistly Hill): The most dramatic opening in Irish golf — three holes high in the dunes above Portstewart Strand beach. Each tee shot plays from an elevated platform into a hidden valley below.
- Hole 18 — Par 5, 550 Yards: Finishing along the Strand — a generous par 5 with the Atlantic beach visible right throughout. The view back to the Thistly Hill dunes is one of Northern Ireland’s great golf panoramas.
5. The 19th Hole
- Bushmills Inn (4★): 20 minutes east — the finest hotel on the Causeway Coast. Book via Expedia →
- Portstewart town: Excellent fish and chips at Morelli’s (established 1911); Anchor Bar for post-round Guinness.