Old Head Golf Links

What more is there to say about a course that has already generated so much publicity, primarily due to its unique location and has been extensively described in all sorts of rankings, travel advisories, and on social media? Who doesn't have this course on their bucket list? Not you? Then better do it straight away, because it really doesn't get much more special than this. Old Head is truly as special as it is often described. And perhaps even more beautiful and spectacular. We visited the course on a sunny but windy day. Fine, that’s part of links golf, isn't it? That’s surely true, but we were unlucky that the wind (force 6) was blowing from the east, whereas the prevailing wind is definitely southwest and the course was specifically designed for that. If we are to believe our caddies, we encountered a very difficult course to play. (“An 18 handicapper who plays this course under 100 strokes today is doing remarkably well”) On some holes, the fairway was virtually unreachable, and on others, you really had to line up 30-50 meters off-target to end up in the middle of the fairway or on the greens. Having said all that, what remains is a unique experience on a truly spectacular course with high cliffs nearby everywhere and often a view of the photogenic lighthouse, the beacon and landmark of this course. What you see in the many pictures is also what you get. Almost every hole is a highlight in itself, so I won't venture to pick favorites. It might detract from the course as a whole. The clubhouse is modern and large, but certainly not unwelcoming because of it. The view over the course, the cliffs, and the sea is amazing. The shop has a lot to offer, but can also quickly take a hit on your credit card. Let's just say that the prices there are just as steep as the course is beautiful. Everything in and around the clubhouse is of a high standard. And that applies to the practice facilities as well. Your bag is already taken there from the car and is ready for the warm-up on the driving range, chipping green, and putting green. There you also meet the caddie, who then takes you to the first tee at the start of a spectacular adventure. During this trip to Ireland, we also visited Trump Doonbeg and Lahinch, all three courses in the Irish top 10. In the comparison, Old Head holds a special place. In terms of traditional links golf and the feelings associated with it, Lahinch wins as far as I am concerned. But in terms of the overall experience, Old Head makes up for that deficit. I would love to return here again with a mild southwesterly wind. With 92 strokes, I did not play to my handicap this time, and I would really like to do that here. Who knows……

From the moment a player drives past the gate—and the Stars & Stripes alongside the Irish Tricolour—there is an American feel to Old Head. The clubhouse is immaculate, the service from the caddy master and starter is five-star, and the practice facilities are exemplary. There is also a sense of, “How the hell did they carve a golf course here?” A castle has stood on the headland since at least the 3rd century, with the ruined iteration featured in the course built in 1223. While an early lighthouse was established in the 17th century, the current one is visible from almost every shot. It is less than 12 miles from the point at sea where the Lusitania was sunk in 1915. Every hole is a photographer’s dream, often carved right beside cliffs that lead to an Atlantic abyss. On a good day, finding the targets demands precision; when the wind blows, the challenge is more than formidable, as we discovered. After a gentle opener, the first "wow" moment arrives at the spectacular par-four second. This is a sharp dogleg cut around the cliff, where the fairway looks like a mere sliver from the tee. The green is so tight to the edge that any ball left or long will be in the sea, while anything too far right finds thick tropical vegetation. The fourth is played directly towards the working lighthouse and should have been doable after a decent drive, even in strong winds. After a stunning par-five towards a perched green next to one of the many ruins, comes a par-three with an abyss on the right and a steep bank on the left. It is yet another short hole where the wind befuddles club selection. The back nine holds even more drama than the front. The penalty area on the tenth is an ancient burial ground around which the par-five is played. The par-five 12th is sometimes referred to as the most intimidating hole in golf—with good reason. Its tee box sits on a small platform, 300 feet above the sea. All that can be seen of the fairway is in the far distance, leading to a green that appears as a mere dot on the landscape. The drive must be hit right over a stone marker against the wind. Failure to make it results in the ball plugging in the grass cliff or, worse, falling into the brine. The wind was buffeting so badly that it took at least three minutes just to keep the ball on the tee before playing into the very exposed par-three 13th. The 17th is startling, demanding a centre-left blind drive to avoid the rocks that run the entire right side. The fairway then narrows towards a green tucked into a natural punchbowl on the edge of the headland. Despite our travails in the wind, Old Head was an unforgettable experience—and one I would not have missed.

Old Head Golf Links – Ein Platz wie kein anderer Ein Golferlebnis, das seinesgleichen sucht: Der Old Head Golf Club in Irland ist spektakulär gelegen – auf einer schmalen Landzunge hoch über dem Atlantik. Die Ausblicke aufs Meer sind schlichtweg unbeschreiblich. Jeder Abschlag fühlt sich an wie ein Postkartenmotiv, eingerahmt von schroffen Klippen und endloser Weite. An unserem Tag war es ganz schön windig, was das Spiel zur echten Herausforderung machte – aber genau das macht den Reiz dieses Platzes aus. Jeder Schlag wird hier zum Abenteuer. Ziele aufs Meer und schau zu wie der Ball hoffentlich wieder zurück kommt. Ein echtes Highlight: Die Terrasse des Clubhauses – der Blick von dort ist einfach unbezahlbar. Ein kühles Getränk nach der Runde mit Blick auf den Sonnenuntergang über dem Atlantik… unvergesslich! Und nicht zu vergessen: Die Caddies waren grandios – erfahren, herzlich und mit dem perfekten Mix aus Witz und hilfreichen Tipps. Ohne sie wäre das Spiel dort nur halb so gut gewesen. 🎯 Fazit: Ein Golfplatz, den man mindestens einmal im Leben gespielt haben muss. Herausforderung, Naturgewalt und Luxus – alles in einem.

played this course on a near perfect day in great company and the course and the facilities were fantastic

I'm truly torn... We played in flawless conditions—crystal-clear skies, not a breath of wind, and sunshine so bright you'd think we were in Italy. The course was stunning, though I’m not entirely sure it fits the traditional 'links' definition. Regardless, it was one of the most incredible golfing experiences I've ever had. Even my non-golfing wife loved joining us for the walk. My recommendation? Definitely hire at least one caddie. Ours was a treasure trove of club stories, and the time flew by in the most enjoyable way.

Speaking of breathtaking the Old Head Golf Links truly is. Perched on a rugged peninsula jutting out into the Atlantic, it offers dramatic clifftop views and a layout that challenges both your game and your senses. The combination of sea, sky, and sheer natural beauty makes it one of the most iconic golfing destinations in the world.

The clubhouse, which also features a hotel, is seamlessly integrated into the course, offering a stunning blend of architecture harmoniously nestled within the natural landscape.

As with most top-tier courses, expect to part with €450 for a round. Think that's steep? Just wait—next year the price climbs to €475. And if you're assuming that these rates would keep the course quiet, think again—securing a tee time is an entirely different challenge!

Would I do it again... anytime!