Narin & Portnoo Links

Narin & Portnoo reminded me of Silloth, where we are members. Other highly-ranked courses are at least a 75-minute drive away, and the road leading up to the clubhouse is rather unpromising. However, after negotiating tight bends and weaving through static holiday homes, the reveal is more than worth it. The modern clubhouse and pro shop were built in 2008, when the course and facilities were due to be revamped. Unfortunately, the money ran out due to the financial crash, and Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner didn’t complete the renovation of the links until 2019. Narin & Portnoo co-owner Larry Foley saw Hanse's work at Winged Foot and persuaded him to take on the project. The result of their collaboration is a breathtaking course on the Atlantic coast. For those who enjoy quirky links, this is heaven. Hanse and Wagner have changed all but one hole, reducing Narin & Portnoo from a very challenging par-73 to a par-70 that will appeal to golfers of all standards. Narin & Portnoo’s quirky character emerges on the par-four fifth—a sharp dogleg around an out-of-bounds area on the left and deep rough on the right. The approach is uphill into a green cut into the dunes with deep rough. Off-target shots could easily result in lost balls on these links. Then come some of the most unforgettable holes in Irish golf. The sixth is a spellbinding par-three with the target looking down onto a grassy chasm in front. Behind the green is a steep run-off. The views from this green across the bay are fantastic. It’s the only hole that Hanse and Wagner felt they couldn’t improve. My favourite hole is the seventh—a mind-boggling short par-four requiring a downhill drive towards the sea before a sharp turn around a dune to a green cut against the ocean. The five par-threes at Narin & Portnoo are all short and require careful club selection. The most talked-about hole is the 15th—a par-three of around 110 yards. Only the top of the flag is visible from the tee between grassy, sandy rough. The beach on the right of the 16th may look beautiful, but it's a significant threat to players on this scintillating par-four. Comedy came on the final hole when Mrs W exclaimed in horror, believing she had sliced her ball from the tee. In fact, she had been aiming at the wrong hole, and her ball was now in a perfect position for the 18th, perfectly guided between mounds of rough. Consequently, she put herself in a position for a par finish but just missed out. Nevertheless, we quaffed a pint of Guinness on Narin & Portnoo’s lovely terrace and celebrated a wonderful day on stellar links.

Abwechslungsreicher Platz z.Tl. flach , z. Tl. in den Dünen mit tollen Aussichten auf den Atlantik Gute greens und fairways. Abgelegene Lage. Das Greenfee ist mit EUR 300,00 exorbitant. Darin ist zwar ein Lunch enthalten, da aber qualitativ nicht der Rede wert war !

The Narin&Portnoo course starts with a shorter and interesting hole with a green on an elevated spot. The next two holes are average. The real golfing excitement comes on the 6th hole, a par 3, when it plays over a ravine. Another great short par 3 is the 15th hole. The green has a great view of the long beach. The 16th hole, played backwards, is an index 1 and the whole long par 4 stretches along the beach. The last par 5 on the final hole is brutally long and the fairways are very bumpy. The restaurant has great seafood chowder. Green fees are a bit high, even considering the remoteness of the place...

Newly renovated by Gil Hanse. Some of the holes on the flat land (in and out of the clubhouse) are rather mild, although the out bounds looms, which creates some danger. The greens and green surroundings and bunkers have great variety and many good pin placements and tricky shots if one misses on the wrong side. Par 3's are mostly short, but offer nice views. Overall, some really incredible, beautiful views from the top of the dunes, which creates some very nice memories. I think you need to play this course 1 time just to learn the strategies. I look forward to playing a 2nd time, when I understand better where 'not' to miss the shot.

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