Where do you begin in attempting to sum up the majesty of Ballybunion Golf Club, when words alone simply can never do it justice?
This is a place that inspires deep feeling and emotion. We will, of course, do our best to capture that in this piece but the message here is: read this, let it wash over you and then go there and feel it for yourself. You will never, ever regret it.
The Old Course a bucket list trip
Herbert Warren Wind, the doyen of American golf writers, said of Ballybunion Old Course, “It is nothing less than the finest seaside course I have ever seen”. Tom Watson, the five-time Open champion, added: “After playing at Ballybunion for the first time, a man would think that the game of golf originated there. It is a course on which many golf architects should live and play before they build golf courses. I consider it a true test of golf.” None of these comments are hyperbole or bluster.
Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way is a place of mesmerising beauty. A landscape, peppered with sea-salted shorelines, a rugged and unspoilt wonder, a feeling of endless possibilities. As you wind your way along the narrow roads from the town of Ballybunion towards the golf course, you are struck by the remoteness of the place but also the incredible variety of the land.
NATURAL WONDER IN ABUNDANCE
Towering sand dunes dominate the links. Verdant green patches light up the avenues, tumbling down the hills, disappearing behind dunes and all framed by the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean in the distance.
Nothing we found during our time on this spectacular golf course changed that first impression. Ballybunion Old Course is a truly extraordinary layout. A place where Mother Nature, with all her mercurial magic, has conjured up as ruggedly beautiful a course as exists anywhere in the world. And in our view it should always be in the conversation when the discussion turns to the world’s greatest golf course. It sits at the top table.
While a professional, James McKenna, laid out the original course at Ballybunion Golf Club and Tom Simpson supervised the extension of it, there is a sense that with this golf course Mother Nature herself did the hard work. And could not be surpassed. That’s the essence of this place. Golf beside the ocean, among the dunes and battling the elements. Pure. Simple. Life changing.
TIME TO TAKE ON THE COURSE
Our arrival at the Ballybunion Golf Club was warmly received – the summer sunshine was accompanied by a sky as blue as in your dreams. The 1st tee awaited – the starter with his warmth and wit, did not disappoint. There were jokes, a nervous laugh or two to hide the nerves and we were off with a solid drive down the right of the 1st fairway.
It is often said that Ballybunion Old Course doesn’t really get going until the 7th tee. And while we wouldn’t go that far, the opening six holes are certainly preparation for the delights of what is to come. And yet nothing is straightforward or mundane.
The 7th tee is, however, where Ballybunion moves up a gear or two and leaves the majority of the field in its dust. This par 4 is one of the most beautiful golf holes on earth. The Atlantic runs its length to your right, close enough to fly a wedge into the seething surf. The fairway narrows between the dunes and the landing areas are tight. But the reward for a solid tee shot is a chance to find the green, with dunes to three sides, the sea behind.
The 11th is every bit as good. It is another visually breathtaking hole which carves its way through the dunes, playing downhill to several tiered pieces of fairway lined with thick rough and heather all the way to the green. A piercing drive ran through the fairway but I found a good lie, then the green and two putts. Thank you very much. One I won’t forget.
BALLYBUNION GOLF CLUB: MEMORIES TO LAST A LIFETIME
There are so many moments on this round that remain vidid long after your scorecard has turned to dust in the bottom of your golf bag. The 14th and 15th are top par 3s, with 15 the pick – a 210 yard shot, downhill, with your golf ball flying towards the deep blue endlessness of the Atlantic. You could be forgiven for taking your eye off the ball. But try not to. The 17th is excellent, a dog leg left. And then comes the moment you are not prepared for. The last.
The 18th, whichever day you play this course, will be a disappointment because you simply don’t want this round to end. There is a way to lift your spirits though. Once you climb the hill back towards the clubhouse, do yourself a favour – walk up the stairs in the clubhouse and out to the terrace that looks down onto the 18th green. Then order an ice-cold pint of the black stuff and sit down so you can let it all sink in as you watch the sun drop down into the Atlantic Ocean.
Remember every moment, soak it up. You will look back on it as one of the best days of your life.
BALLYBUNION GOLF CLUB: Key facts
Address:
Ballybunion Golf Club,
Sandhill Road,
Ballybunion,
Co. Kerry, Ireland.
Website: BallybunionGolfClub.com
Phone: +353 (0) 68 27146
Email: reservations@ballybuniongolfclub.ie
BALLYBUNION GOLF CLUB SCORECARD
Ballybunion Golf Club Course Map
Ballybunion Golf Club: Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Where is Ballybunion Golf Club?
Ballybunion Golf Club is situated in Ballybunion, County Kerry, Ireland. It sits on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way and is within reach of other excellent Irish golf courses such as Lahinch, Waterville, Tralee and Killarney.
How can I book a tee time at Ballybunion Golf Club?
Tee times at Ballybunion Golf Club can be booked online by clicking here. With the club in demand, it is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak seasons.
What about Ballybunion Golf Club green fees?
Green fees at Ballybunion Golf Club vary depending on factors such as the time of day, day of the week, and which the year you are planning to play. As a guide, Ballybunion Golf Club green fees for The Old Course will be around €350.
Is Ballybunion Golf Club open to non-members?
A4: Yes, Ballybunion Golf Club welcomes non-members. Visitors are encouraged to book tee times in advance and adhere to the club’s dress code and etiquette.
What is the dress code at Ballybunion Golf Club?
Ballybunion Golf Club has a smart-casual dress code. Proper golf attire, including collared shirts and appropriate golf shoes are required on the course. Denim, beachwear, and football jerseys are not permitted.
Are caddies available at Ballybunion Golf Club?
At Ballybunion Golf Club, they encourage golfers to walk the courses and take a caddie if possible. Fees for bag services and gratuities are directly paid to the caddie. The decision on the amount of gratuity is entirely at the discretion of the player. It’s important to note that caddies at Ballybunion Golf Club operate as independent contractors and are not employed by the club. Consequently, their availability cannot be guaranteed.
Can I rent golf clubs at Ballybunion Golf Club?
Yes, Ballybunion Golf Club offers rental clubs for visitors. Reserving rental clubs in advance is recommended to ensure availability.
Does Ballybunion Golf Club have practice facilities?
Yes, Ballybunion Golf Club provides practice facilities, including a driving range, putting greens, and chipping areas. These areas are ideal for warming up before your round.
Do you need a handicap to play Ballybunion Golf Club?
The handicap limit for men is 24, for women it is 36. Handicap certificates may be required.
