PORTSALON GOLF CLUB - 16 POINTS
The magnificent 2nd hole at Portsalon
Sometimes you go on a golf trip with everything planned to the last minute. While that’s understandable, and I probably do it more than most, sometimes it’s worth leaving a little space in case something interesting pops up.
When I arrived at Rosapenna the owners told me I really should make time to visit Portsalon. My itinerary was packed, but I felt it would would be churlish not to take their advice and I added in another stop. I’m glad I did - I would recommend Portsalon to any golfer coming to these parts.
Golf has been played over this land since the 1890s but the course as you find it today has changed somewhat since then. Most notably, Pat Ruddy (he does a lot around here!) remodelled many of the holes in 2001. However, it hasn’t lost its old world charm or many of the quirks which made it such a pleasure to play.
The opening hole is a little unusual. You hit over a wire mesh about 150 yards from the tee which is there to protect a path that runs underneath. Less ‘quirky’, more ‘odd’ to be honest but, once you get over the mesh, the first hole is a nice early challenge - a blind, elevated, basin green where it’s easier to underclub than over!
The second plays along the bay with a creek running in front of the green. This dog-leg left is an exhilarating hole which is sure to get you reaching for the camera. Playing as close to the water on the left as you can will reward you with a better line (and length) for your approach but is not without risk. A really excellent hole.
The early stretch of holes is probably the strongest at Portsalon. The fairways have a beautiful rumple to them which add to the links feeling and challenge. Holes are often laid out within large dunes and there is plenty of variety on offer too - some greens are elevated, others collect the ball.
As you get to the far end of the course the mountain backdrop brings a new dimension before you move to the inland section of the course. There aren’t the same dramatic dunes or fairway movement here, but the course has a more open feel to it. There is still plenty to enjoy though and I really enjoyed the contrast between the holes.
The 14th is an excellent sloping par 4 - hit the speed slot and you may have just a short club in; get it wrong and you will have a much longer shot with a bunker to deal with too.
Portsalon is yet another course in Donegal you should put on your list for any visit to the area. There are lots of lovely features which make it really memorable - double greens, plenty of movement and those fantastic views. It has more memorable holes on it than some of the bigger names in the area and feels a very natural golf course.
BOOKING THE COURSE
They make it pretty easy to book golf courses in these parts. You simply go online and can book here. The green fee is €150 during the week and €170 at the weekend in the summer, which is a little on the expensive end but not too bad. As is pretty much always the case here, if you are an Irish resident you will get a discount - 50% off in this case. In the winter, the green fee drops to around €70 a person
Prices correct as of August 2023.
TOUR TIPS
When I played Portsalon I was staying at Rosapenna and it’s only half an hour’s drive away. If you are looking to do 36 holes in one day, it’s not a course which is going to beat you up so you could combine it with one of the courses at Rosapenna.
The hotel at Rosapenna is a really good choice. You have fantastic access to the three courses there and it’s easy enough to get down to Narin & Portnoo or Cruit Island. But, if it’s full, there are quite a lot of Airbnb options around as well as other hotels in Downings
There are plenty of other courses around here that would add to a great golf trip. Ballyliffin is very close as the crow flies but unfortunately it’s an hour and a half’s drive to get there! However, if you come here, you will probably be keen to see the Glashedy or Old course so a good option may well be to stay in Derry for a couple of nights. It’s got plenty of hotels and is an hour from Portsalon and 45 minutes from Ballyliffin.
CONTACT DETAILS
Portsalon Golf Club
7 Fanad Way,
Croaghross,
Portsalon,
Co. Donegal,
F92 P290
Ireland
Tel: +353 74 915 9459
E-mail: admin@portsalongolfclub.ie
Web: www.portsalongolfclub.ie
