One half of a terrific golfing double act, Ballyliffin Old Links is an excellent course that has more variety than most links and is enormous fun no matter how you play
Ballyliffin Golf Club Old Course Review
Top 100 Ranking 2021/22 – 99
Previous Rankings
2019/20 – 100 New Entry
Summer Green Fees
Round – €180, Day – €320
Visitors: welcome, subject to availability
Medal Tee: Par 71 – 6,450 Yards
Changes since previous ranking
New ladies tee on the 4th. Replacing hard pathways with grass pathways. New Par 3 Course opened, the Pollan Links.
Ballyliffin Golf Club Old Course Review
Ballyliffin has become a must-visit golfing destination, boasting not one but two excellent courses. And while it may be the newer Glashedy Links that attracts the plaudits and the European Tour, the Old Course is a very worthy draw in its own right.
Golf here dates back to 1947, but the fabulous expanse of dunes that is now home to its two courses was not purchased until 1970. Initially a 9-holer, the Old Links was remodelled and expanded into a full 18 three years later. So while it may not be as old as some New courses, think St Andrews or Sunningdale, it certainly has a timeless quality that means it could be far older.
Faldo a Fan
Originally something of a slow-moving feast with design input from Eddie Hackett and Pat Ruddy as well as others, it was most recently upgraded by Sir Nick Faldo in 2004. The 6-time major champion had visited a decade or so before and instantly become a great fan of the Old Course.
The green on the 566 yards par 5, 14th hole ‘Bulbin’ on the Old (Photo: David Cannon/Getty Images)
Knocking on the door of the Top 100 for some time, it finally entered in 2019. Perhaps a little more forgiving than its younger sibling, it is certainly more traditional. Some also consider it to be the more fun of the two. Whatever your view on this, there is no doubting that it makes for a perfect companion and counterbalance, full of allure and character, while still a proper test in its own right.
At Ballyliffin as much as at any 36-hole club, it is well worth taking the time to play both courses, compare and contrast, and make your own conclusions.
Assessor Feedback
Midst the duneland and its proximity to the ocean, this is a special experience. The Atlantic ocean, bounded by nature, kempt and unkempt, makes for a beautiful and intoxicating experience.
GM Verdict
One half of a terrific golfing double act, Ballyliffin Old Links is an excellent course that has more variety than most links and is enormous fun no matter how you play
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