Portmarnock Golf Club - 7th Feb 2005

Universally acknowledged as one of the truly great links courses, Portmarnock is situated to the north side of Dublin, about 12 miles from the city centre.

Its quality and location have made it a splendid venue for some of the games great events, from the British Amateur Championship of 1949, to the Canada Cup in 1960, quite apart the 1991 Walker Cup and 12 stagings of the revived Irish Open.

The Canada Cup was especially notable for the fact that it provided the newly-crowned US Open champion, Arnold Palmer, with his first experience of links golf.

As it happened, he and partner Sam Snead captured the trophy for the US, and Palmers learning skills were later reflected in successive British Open triumphs in 1961 and 1962.

Founded in 1894, the championship course offers a classic, traditional challenge.

Indeed the celebrated golf writer, Bernard Darwin, was prompted to comment: "I know of no greater finish in the world than that of the last five holes at Portmarnock." And that standard is mirrored in an additional nine holes designed by the distinguished British architect,Fred Hawtree.

When Tom Watson played the main course as part of his preparation for the defence of his British Open title in 1981, he remarked on the fairness of the layout. There are no tricks or nasty surprises, only an honest, albeit searching test of shotmaking skills.

Invariably rated as Irelands best course in ballots by the Irish Golf Institute, Portmarnock takes justifiable pride in its 27 holes, which are maintained to the highest standards.

Within the curve of the coastline formed by Howth peninsula, it offers stunning views of Irelands Eye and Lambay Island, rising sharply from deep waters.

But above all, there is the charm of its delightful turf, the wildness, the solitude of the sandhills and the sea, and the ever-present challenge of the wind.

Related Links

• http://www.portmarnockgolfclub.ie

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