TRUMP DOONBEG – DG IRELAND TOP150 – 2025
Editor, Kevin Markham
Ever since Martin Hawtree’s 2015/2016 renovation of Greg Norman’s original Doonbeg, the team looking after the links has been turning the course into something ever-more impressive.
The aesthetics get ever better, as does the conditioning, and those flashes of genius – by both Norman and Hawtree – shine brighter every year.
The natural terrain of big, chaotic dunes has been used masterfully, shaping holes and embracing the landscape and views. There are many stunning shots and remarkable green
settings. Look no further than the famous par five 1st, or the 5th, 6th, 13th and 15th. And the ‘new’ 14th, which plays at right angles to the hole washed away over a decade ago, shows great vision by Hawtree. (See Favourite Hole.) It all means that as the
course weaves in a vague figure of eight, in and out of the dunes alongside Doughmore Bay, you encounter a steady supply of excellent holes, from 1st to last.
Finally, as you walk off 18 it is guaranteed that you will glance back down the 1st and pine to play it again.
FAVOURITE HOLE
The par three 14th plays from up in the dunes, down to a
bunkerless green. The resort lies in the distance, beyond
the beach.
WHAT’S IN THE BAG?
The greens are beautiful creations that can and will leave you
reeling. Pin-chasing may be a fool’s errand.
For more on Ireland’s TOP150 courses, see; Destination Golf – Ireland 2025 – Destination Golf
