Darren Johnston 25/06/2010 08:53

Congratulations!

Graeme McDowell's US Open victory will surely direct golf's attention to the great Dunluce Links and all of the comparisons will be deserved.

Having been fortunate enough to play Royal Portrush with my late father in the summer of '08 and Pebble Beach that same year, I know which club I'd settle on if given just one to play...Royal Portrush.

With a family of my own now, I also believe that the Valley Links and Korea set the facility up as the ideal golf site for introducing someone to the game and testing your skill throughout an evolving career.

I'll never forget my father overshadowed by the Big Bertha bunker, and I can't wait to get back to the sea-side links.

phil scott 10/05/2010 14:55

bring the open back

i fully agree with darren clarke. portrush with belfast 40 minutes away could easily stage the open. imagine harrington, mcilroy, mcdowell, mcginly, clarke and rising star maybin. discuss over your drinks

Rob Ballantine 10/05/2010 14:55

Playing the Valley Links!

As a 15 year old junior, playing off 14 handicap I wondered what to expect from the course and the club. Having set off to play the pitch and putt I managed to be squeezed in before a competition. Travelling over in the first week of the holidays from Southampton, I had played Ardglass golf club the day before, a wonderful links test but this course exceeded any expectation that I may have of it. It is not just the golf course that made my day unforgettable. It is the people as well, including the passionate club captain. Standing on the 3rd tee, I looked to my right to find Graeme McDowell on the range hitting balls. Wow. After signing my cap in a genuinely nice fashion, I knew my day would be a good one. It turned out unforgettable!

Every single golfer should play one of the 2 courses, dont miss out on this amazing place!

Gary Holbrook 10/05/2010 14:55

Professor Emeritus

I played Royal Portrush in 1986. I had a golf holiday package from Dublin to Portrush via train two nights lodging and two rounds of Golf. Fifty-five Lbs. Sterling. The young boy who followed me around the first round sold all my golf balls back to me that he had found at the end of the round. I had never played a links before and as badly as I played it was a memorable round and ranks at the top with my Hole in One in Denver. I got Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer to sign my Johnny Walker Hole-In-One- Card.

Gary

Golden, Colorado

Butch 10/05/2010 14:54

Seaside shrubbery :)

It was truely spiffing.. Totally fantastic.. :D

Orvar Thool 03/07/2009 08:24

I fell in love 1992!

Dunluce, Valley........., writing the names of this fantastics links makes me realize that it´s about another 150 days before I will have the privilige to make my 18th visit. Both courses are truly great, Dunluce - the punishing bigger brother and Valley - younger but almost as fascinating, 17th must be ranked among the top ten holes in world!
For anyone who loves the game of golf it´s a must.

Darryn O'Donnell 25/03/2009 09:27

I played the dunluce links with my father in June of 2008...the course was very dry and played extremely hard and quick. I didnt score very well but was thrilled to be on one of the top course's in the world. After our round we had a few pints of guinness on the veranda as the sun was setting...the course was golden, almost glowing. We had a great time and cant wait to get back.

Dennis L, Canada 19/02/2009 15:44

Royal Portrush The Best in Ireland

I played the course twice in Sept 2006, and although it is dangerous to crown a course as "the best", I would agree that for overall enjoyment, playability, condition, and consistentcy it is the best in Ireland. Some other courses have some great holes, better views, or are more difficult to score on, but I rated Royal Portrush as the favorite of my tour.

Kevin McGonagle 03/02/2009 09:03

Up there with the best links there are

Played the Dunluce Links in July 2008. Amazing setting. Amazing layout. Amazing condition. Need I say any more!!!

Martin Scott 01/02/2009 09:01

Missed Opportunity

Looking at the gallery reminds me of my 40th birthday weekend in 2007, with 7 of my mates and how we missed out on an awesome golf course because of the horrendous weather. We got to the 9th on the Valley course but had to give in. The hospitality was the best I have ever received anywhere and we will be back very soon.

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