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Ballybunion Golf Club

Georgina Campbell

Founded in 1906 Ballybunion Golf Club is an institution of the golfing world. The character of both courses is unique, both true links set amongst the finest sand dunes the world has to offer. They hug the ruggedly breathtaking Atlantic Ocean coastline, which provides a magnificent backdrop.

For decades, overseas visitors and professionals alike have been marvelling at the beauty and quality of Ballybunion.

"It demands greater imagination and shot-making skills than anything I have ever known. It makes me feel the same way as when I first saw St Andrews (where he won the British Open in 1984). The magic is the same." Seve Ballesteros.

The 11th hole captures the dramatic beauty of Ballybunion like no other. Described by Tom Watson as the best par four in the world, it is played from a dramatic, elevated tee, down towards a green with a frighteningly narrow entrance. And to the right, there are spectacular views of the wild Atlantic.

Ballybunion also has the Cashen Course, designed by the celebrated American architect, Robert Trent Jones Snr. But the Old Course is the one to play.

"Having played the Old Course in Ballybunion many times since my first visit in 1981, I am now of the opinion it is one of the best and most beautiful tests of links golf anywhere in the world" - Tom Watson - Millennium Captain Ballybunion Golf Club.

Distance and driving times (traffic dependent):



Lahinch Golf Club                       162km (101m), 2hrs 38 mins*

Doonbeg Golf Club                    167km (104m), 3hrs 3 mins*

Dromoland Castle Golf Club         111km (69m), 1hr 53 mins

Adare Manor Golf Resort             76km (47m), 1hr 15 mins

Tralee Golf Club                           42km (26m), 51 mins

Killarney Golf & Fishing Club          79km (49m), 1hr 18 mins

Waterville Golf Club                     125km (78m), 2hr 33 mins

Bantry Bay Golf Club                  189km (117m), 3hr 14 mins

Old Head of Kinsale GC                165km (103m), 2hr 54 mins

*The Killimer-Tarbert car ferry crosses the Shannon Estuary between counties Clare and Limerick. It takes 20 minutes and saves 137 km (85 miles), or about 1 hours drive time from ferry terminal to ferry terminal.

Other distances, times and route planning

Founded in 1906 Ballybunion Golf Club is an institution of the golfing world. The character of both courses is unique, both true links set amongst the finest sand dunes the world has to offer. They hug the ruggedly breathtaking Atlantic Ocean coastline, which provides a magnificent backdrop.

For decades, overseas visitors and professionals alike have been marvelling at the beauty and quality of Ballybunion.

"It demands greater imagination and shot-making skills than anything I have ever known. It makes me feel the same way as when I first saw St Andrews (where he won the British Open in 1984). The magic is the same." Seve Ballesteros.

The 11th hole captures the dramatic beauty of Ballybunion like no other. Described by Tom Watson as the best par four in the world, it is played from a dramatic, elevated tee, down towards a green with a frighteningly narrow entrance. And to the right, there are spectacular views of the wild Atlantic.

Ballybunion also has the Cashen Course, designed by the celebrated American architect, Robert Trent Jones Snr. But the Old Course is the one to play.

"Having played the Old Course in Ballybunion many times since my first visit in 1981, I am now of the opinion it is one of the best and most beautiful tests of links golf anywhere in the world" - Tom Watson - Millennium Captain Ballybunion Golf Club.

Distance and driving times (traffic dependent):

Lahinch Golf Club                       162km (101m), 2hrs 38 mins*
Doonbeg Golf Club                    167km (104m), 3hrs 3 mins*
Dromoland Castle Golf Club         111km (69m), 1hr 53 mins
Adare Manor Golf Resort             76km (47m), 1hr 15 mins
Tralee Golf Club                           42km (26m), 51 mins
Killarney Golf & Fishing Club          79km (49m), 1hr 18 mins
Waterville Golf Club                     125km (78m), 2hr 33 mins
Bantry Bay Golf Club                  189km (117m), 3hr 14 mins
Old Head of Kinsale GC                165km (103m), 2hr 54 mins

*The Killimer-Tarbert car ferry crosses the Shannon Estuary between counties Clare and Limerick. It takes 20 minutes and saves 137 km (85 miles), or about 1 hours drive time from ferry terminal to ferry terminal.

Other distances, times and route planning

Professional:	Brian O'Callaghan
Number of Holes:	36
Type:	Links
Course Name:	Old Course / Cashen Course
Designer:	Updated by Tom Watson / Robert Trent Jones
Championship Length:	6,598 yards / 6,306 yards
Greenfees:	Early Season €140 / €55; High Season €180 / €75
Par:	71
Notes:	Booking well in advance is required as availability is extremely limited at all times.