A traditional and classic course that delivers fair and honest links golf. Baltray is subtle and understated yet a true championship layout.
County Louth Golf Club Course Review
Top 100 Ranking 2021/22 – TBC
Previous Rankings
2019/20 – 53
2017/18 – 55
2015/16 – 59
2013/14 – 56
2011/12 – 53
2009/10 – 75
Summer Green Fees
Round – €165 Monday – Thursday, €185 Friday – Sunday
Visitors: See website
Medal Tee: Par 72 – 6,716 Yards
Changes since previous ranking
None advised
County Louth Golf Club Course Review
Although County Louth Golf Club dates back to 1892, the course is largely the work of Tom Simpson in 1938. Despite, or rather because of some more recent changes from Tom MacKenzie, it remains traditional, stirring, bracing seaside golf at its best.
Related: Top 100 Courses UK and Ireland
It’s a strong layout that has played host to numerous top-level competitions over the years. It was host to the Irish Open in 2004 and again in 2009 when Shane Lowry famously won the event as an amateur.
County Louth is a regular host to the East of Ireland Championship.
The wind is almost always a factor at County Louth, or Baltray, and you need to be able to shape the ball both ways to score well.
2nd at County Louth
There’s an excellent selection of holes with four strong par 3s, the pick of which might be the short 15th to a small, well-bunkered target.
From the 12th to the 16th, the holes run through the dunes alongside the sea and there are great views to be had from the elevated 14th tee.
13th at County Louth
Although the dunes may not be the size of some to be found on Irish links, they are in plentiful supply and provide an excellent frame to many of the holes, particularly around the turn.
It’s really a members club but visitors are made to feel very welcome. As it doesn’t see as much tourist traffic as some of the more commercial venues, the playing surfaces are less distressed and are always in great condition.
County Louth is one of the jewels within Irish Links golf, a true championship venue with a confident yet understated air about it.
Assessor Feedback
The home of the East of Ireland championship is a true test of class links golf. An honest, subtle test of shot making set within one of the understated greats of Irish links golf.
There is something of a natural, simple elegance to be found in this piece of links land. It is to be found without pretention.
GM Verdict
A traditional and classic course that delivers fair and honest links golf. It’s subtle and understated yet a true championship venue.
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