BALLYLIFFIN GOLF CLUB - GLASHEDY LINKS - 16 POINTS
Generally, it would be fair to say that I prefer old-school links to more modern incarnations. At Ballyliffin you have both on offer side by side. The 1970s Old Course was built relatively recently in the great scheme of things, but it has a more traditional links feel than the Glashedy which was built by Pat Ruddy in the 1990s. However, on this occasion I actually prefer the newer course.
The Glashedy is a big course in every way - it’s set in towering dunes and measures over 7,200 yards from the back tees. It has been designed as a tough course to test the very best players. It has hosted the Irish Open and will host the Amateur Championship in 2024.
Like so many golf courses in this part of the world the setting is spectacular. As you set off, you get some wonderful views with dramatic mountains giving a lovely backdrop. This is also the part of the course where the dunes are at their most interesting and you’ll find the most thrilling holes.
Much is made of the 7th, a par three with a big drop to the green and a lake adjacent. While the view was great, I actually preferred the par three 5th hole. The 162 yard 5th has a stunning backdrop of the water and beyond, but with out of bounds to the right and well bunkered greens it’s best to concentrate at the job in hand, rather than the view, to avoid running up a high score!
The par 3 5th at Ballyliffin is a wonderful hole
The 7th has a big drop down with a lake protecting the green on the right
While the dunes are spectacular, and the land looks dramatic, the fairways are actually surprisingly flat. Compared to some of the other courses in the area, like Portsalon or St Patrick’s, the challenge here is more about getting it on the fairway rather than worrying too much about what the lie is going to bring.
You can certainly expect a stern test on the Glashedy course and keeping the ball on the fairway is key. Bunkers abound, often lying in wait alongside the fairways. These are proper penalties, so don’t expect to make too much forward progress getting out of them.
The course is a stern test but it didn’t feel ridiculously hard. There were few blind shots and I didn’t feel like the course was trying to trick me. It’s impossible not to enjoy playing in such a spectacular setting and the conditioning was really excellent. With irrigation throughout, the fairways were running brilliantly and the greens were flawless - possibly the best of my whole trip to Donegal.
The Glashedy course at Ballyliffin is rightly celebrated as a great test of golf and I look forward to returning.
BOOKING THE COURSE
You can book the Glashedy course on the website here. Golf in Ireland has become progressively more expensive in recent years and a round here will cost you €220 in peak summer. Irish residents will get a very good discount on this though, and can expect to pay around €80.
There are discounts for playing both the Glashedy and Old Course on the same day. And there are seasonal discounts, although they are not detailed on the website so best to phone to find out more about them.
Prices correct as of August 2023.
TOUR TIPS
There is accommodation in Ballyliffin itself, very close to the golf, at The Ballyliffin Lodge and Spa. Derry isn’t far away and is a good base, especially if you are looking to add in rounds at Portstewart and Portrush too.
I stayed at Rosapenna and made the hour and a half drive up for the day which worked well. You can read about that experience and other courses I played in the area here.
CONTACT DETAILS
Ballyliffin,
Inishowen,
Co. Donegal,
Ireland
F93 C573
Tel: +353 74 937 6119
E-mail: info@ballyliffingolfclub.com
Web: www.ballyliffingolfclub.com
