PORTSTEWART (STRAND) – DG IRELAND TOP150 – 2025
Editor, Kevin Markham
When the opening nine holes of a course tumble over a violent dunescape known locally as ‘God’s Own Country’, you know you’re playing somewhere special. That’s what the Strand course throws at you for its opening salvo… never mind having an opening hole widely regarded as the best on the island. From the 1st tee, views spill away over the sea to Inishowen, and Mussenden Temple sits on the cliff tops in the distance. The fairway below curves towards a green that sits at the gates to God’s Own Country. There is no drive quite like it so soak it up before you take that first swing.
These early holes are stunning in shape and size and drama, the dunes towering high. The course designer for this famous stretch was a local maths teacher, named Des Giffin. In 2024, in his honour, the par three 6th, known as Five Penny Piece, was renamed Giffin’s. This followed the arrival of European Golf Design (EGD), who have been tasked with enhancing the club’s three links courses. The first phases of work are focused on Strand’s back nine, with holes 13, 14 and 15 considerably upgraded for the 2024 season.
FAVOURITE HOLE
The 2nd is the quirky masterpiece, a short par four that plays
down and up, hugged by a titan of a dune to a green wedged in
high and deep.
WHAT’S IN THE BAG?
After the generosity of the 1st green you will need to be so
precise on approach shots, particularly on the front nine, to avoid
some daunting run-offs.
For more on Ireland’s top courses; Destination Golf – Ireland 2025 – Destination Golf
