DESTINATIONGOLF . TRAVEL
ULSTER
Portstewart ( Strand )
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 .
WWW . PORTSTEWARTGC . CO . UK
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 .
111