CASTLEROCK – DG IRELAND TOP150 – 2025
Editor, Kevin Markham
A links of endless intrigue, variety and pace, Castlerock Golf Club offers a true links experience with stunning views over the Bann river and across to Donegal. Never mind the railway line and the brook, Castlerock’s dunes constantly change shape, ensuring you never quite settle into a rhythm. There are flat holes and bumpy holes, doglegs and blind shots. There are plateau greens, hidden greens and sweet bunkering… it’s a heady mix that
challenges all the way around and entertains all day long.
You can swing freely here, despite the deep rough, so watch your ball race over the bumpy, curvaceous fairways… and watch carefully. These fairways have a life of their own. The stretch of holes from 7 to 10 sets the course alight, with the 8th hole an absolute double-blind terror. Castlerock recently received a significant upgrade by Martin Hawtree, which has enhanced its quality, and the club has been upgrading its course and facilities
ever since, including the introduction of solar panels. The 9-hole Bann course is also very highly regarded and it has been nominated as a finalist for Best Short Course in the UK and
Ireland 2024/25.
FAVOURITE HOLE
The par four 10th doglegs over a shoulder which drops down
from the right. The hole then sweeps left and down, showing off
the green in all its glory. Bump-and-run heaven.
WHAT’S IN THE BAG?
Be very, very smart around the greens. The variety of holes
means you need to think carefully about what tee shot to play.
For more on Ireland’s top courses, see; Destination Golf – Ireland 2025 – Destination Golf