Royal Portrush Golf Club — Dunluce Links
The Causeway Coast links that brought The Open back to Ireland — home of the fearsome par-3 “Calamity Corner” and open to visitors on set days.
Royal Portrush Golf Club — Dunluce Links in photos
Can I play Royal Portrush Golf Club — Dunluce Links?
Yes — Royal Portrush is a private members’ club that welcomes visitor tee times on set days; you book ahead as a green-fee visitor rather than needing a member to host you. A handicap certificate may be requested and you should belong to a recognised club.
How to book: Book directly with the club’s visitor office; the Dunluce is busy and high-season dates go fast, so reserve months ahead. Green fees are typically payable in full at booking and non-refundable, and visitor access is limited on competition days.
About Royal Portrush Golf Club — Dunluce Links
The Dunluce Links is the only course outside Great Britain to have hosted The Open, first in 1951 and then to record crowds in 2019 and 2025. Harry Colt shaped its present form in the early 1930s — he called it his finest work — and Martin Ebert added two new holes, the 7th and 8th, before 2019, reworking the closing stretch. The dunescape runs high above the Atlantic with the ruined Dunluce Castle and the Giant’s Causeway nearby, and it climaxes at “Calamity Corner”, a 236-yard par 3 over a deep chasm. It is a members’ club that sells visitor tee times on designated days, so travelling golfers can play it — booking well ahead is essential.
Signature hole
The par-3 16th “Calamity Corner”, a 236-yard carry over a yawning ravine, and the ocean-side par-4 5th “White Rocks”.
What makes it special
The Open’s Irish home
Host in 1951, 2019 and 2025 — a true major venue.
Calamity Corner
A 236-yard par 3 over a plunging ravine, with no safe bail-out.
Causeway Coast setting
Atlantic dunes beside Dunluce Castle and the Giant’s Causeway.
Tournament pedigree
- The Open Championship (1951, 2019, 2025)
- Irish Open (2012)
- The Amateur Championship (multiple, incl. 1993 & 2014)
Need to know
Best time to play
May–September for weather and daylight; the exposed Atlantic holes reward calmer days.
Dress code
Smart golf attire — collared shirt, tailored trousers or shorts, soft spikes; no denim.
Good to know
The only club outside Great Britain to have hosted The Open; caddies are available and recommended. Allow around 4.5 hours and expect wind off the Atlantic.
Upcoming golf tournaments
Prefer to watch the world’s best? Book tickets to an upcoming tournament, then add a hotel and flights.
Getting there
Nearest airports
City of Derry (LDY) ~45 min; Belfast International (BFS) ~1 hr; Belfast City (BHD) ~1 hr 15.
On arrival
On the Causeway Coast in County Antrim, about 60 miles north-west of Belfast via the M2/A26; the Giant’s Causeway and Bushmills are close by.
Stay near the course
Portrush town is on the doorstep; the Bushmills Inn and hotels in Portstewart and Portballintrae are short drives away.
★★★★★ 5-starTap for live prices Dunluce Lodge - Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Portrush
★★★★★ 5-starTap for live prices Strand House
Portstewart
A taste of the luxury stays near Royal Portrush Golf Club — Dunluce Links — tap any hotel to see live availability and prices for your dates, or search them all.
Plan your golf trip
Hotels near the course
Live-priced stays a short drive from the 1st tee.
Search hotelsFlights
Get to Portrush — search fares to the nearest airport.
Find flightsTournament tickets
Rather watch the pros? Book golf tournament tickets.
See golf ticketsThings to do
Tours and experiences around Portrush.
Explore PortrushFrequently asked questions
Can visitors play Royal Portrush?
Yes — the club welcomes green-fee visitors on set days; you book ahead rather than needing a member to host you, and a handicap may be requested.
How much does it cost to play Royal Portrush?
Indicatively around £420 for a peak-season Dunluce round, with lower winter and shoulder rates. Confirm on the official site.
How do I book a tee time?
Directly through the club’s visitor office, ideally months in advance for summer; green fees are usually paid in full at booking and are non-refundable.
When is the best time to play?
May to September for the weather and daylight, ideally on a calmer day to enjoy the Atlantic holes.
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Golf guideSources & pricing note
Green fees, access rules and tee-time policies change frequently and vary by season. The figures here are indicative for trip planning — always confirm on the official site before booking.
Guide updated 2026-07-27.