ROYAL DUBLIN – DG IRELAND TOP150 – 2025
Editor, Kevin Markham
Founded in 1885, Royal Dublin is Ireland’s oldest links. Its clubhouse sums up the quality and history embraced by the traditional out-and-back routing on Bull Island.
There are no big dunes here – this is about the natural twists and turns that make bump-and-run links golf a joy to play. Low, subtle and often narrow fairways lead into exceptional greens… but be warned: the bunkers may prove your undoing. Those bunkers
have undergone a full rebuild under designer Frank Pont (Clayton, Devries & Pont), and their number has fallen from 93 to 55. Every one is superb and it has seen the links rise to
another level.
You can expect a full-frontal assault when you reach the turn as the prevailing winds that made the front nine play benignly can hit you hard all the way home. Low struck shots may be the only way to play this back nine. Take inspiration from the plaque beside the 16th tee where Christy O’Connor Senior started one of the greatest finishes in golf. He played the last three holes in five under par to win the Carrolls International in 1966.
FAVOURITE HOLE
The par four 11th curves gently with water on the left tracking
your every move. The famous castle is most visible from here.
WHAT’S IN THE BAG?
Links golf as it is meant to be played… low, cunning and
relentlessly searching your golfing genius.
WWW.THEROYALDUBLINGOLFCLUB.COM
FOR FULL GUIDE – Destination Golf – Ireland 2025 – Destination Golf