One of the oldest golf clubs in Ireland, Lahinch Golf Club, is also one of the most respected links courses in the world. Set right on the Atlantic coastline, Lahinch is exposed to the ocean through all her moods and has been molded and shaped over the centuries by nature’s harsh elements and an occasional touch of human genius. Lahinch, with its towering sand dunes, undulating fairways, rolling greens and fair share of blind shots, is the perfect natural golfing terrain, a true links in the traditional meaning of the word.
Lahinch Golf Club, which is located in Co. Clare on the West Coast of Ireland, is a hotspot for visiting golfers. Over the years this picturesque course has welcomed tour professionals such as Luke Donald, Davis Love and Jim Furyk. Phil Mickelson also happens to be an Honorary lifetime member.
The Old Course is home to the South of Ireland Amateur Championship which attracts the best up and coming golfers Ireland has to offer. Winners of note would have to be Darren Clarke who won in 1990, Paul McGinley in ’91 and Graeme McDowell winning in 2000. Padraig Harrington has finished runner up on two occasions also.
Ranked no.5 on the “Top 100 golf courses in Ireland” list (Golf Digest), the old course offers up a unique challenge with towering sand dunes that call for frequent blind shots and the unpredictable Atlantic breeze, which keeps even the most experienced of golfers on their toes. This course will really challenge your game as the terrain, weather and bunkers can force some shots you may have not thought possible.
Holes of note on this course would have to be the blind 4th and 5th, known as the Klondyke and Dell holes. The par 3, 5th hole (Dell) features a green tucked behind a large dune making it out of sight from the tee. The same type of dune can be encountered on the 4th hole (Klondyke) for your second shot.
The Old Course at Lahinch will not fail to impress and is an absolute must for any visiting golfer.
