A word of warning for those playing Water-
ville: Bring a windbreaker. Or two. That
could be said for many of the courses that
dot the North Atlantic Ocean coastline, but
it’s especially true at Waterville, a links gem
where the inward nine hugs the coast.
Ranked as the fifth-best course in the
country, Waterville opened in 1889 as
Waterville Athletic Club, featuring a modest
nine-hole layout on the eastern half of the
property. In the 1970s, Irish-born American
John A. Mulcahy teamed with Eddie Hack-
ett—Ireland’s foremost links architect—and
Claude Harmon to reconfigure the original
nine and expand the course to its current
18-hole layout.
In 2002, Tom Fazio modernized Water-
ville’s layout, a four-year renovation creat-
ing the gem you’ll play today.
“It’s such a unique, special place,” Fazio
said. “It’s one of the most dramatic and spe-
cial golf courses in the world. It’s interesting
to listen to everyone else’s opinion, because
that’s what counts.”
The closing stretch—the par-3 17th
where the tee and green both sit above the
dunes and the par-5 18th along the coast—
are absolute gems.
BALLYBUNION OLD
When Americans think of Irish links golf,
Ballybunion immediately comes to mind—
and for good reason. Established in 1893 on
the northwest coast of County Kerry, Bally-
bunion Golf Club features two courses—the
Old and the Cashen, the latter of which is
a Robert Trent Jones design that opened
in 1984. As Ballybunion’s website cheekily
notes, regarding Cashen, “if it was anywhere
else it would attract far more attention and
plaudits than it does. It’s hard on a girl if her
older sister is Sophia Loren!”
That “older sister,” the Old Course, is a
one-of-a-kind seaside venue that measures
6,739 yards from the tips and offers another
true links challenge.
There are several standout holes here,
but No. 7—a clifftop par-4 with the Atlantic
Ocean running hard to the right—is among
the most visually stunning holes in Ireland.
It’s also a test of nerves, as the best shot off
the tee favors the right side of the fairway.
Wind will dictate where you aim off the tee.
Ballybunion boasts Tom Watson as a
past captain, and a trickle of international
interest in the layout became a flood in
1982 when, after accepting the Claret Jug
for winning the Open at Royal Troon, he
noted “nobody can call himself a golfer until
he has played at Ballybunion.”
OLD HEAD GOLF LINKS
Jutting south into the Atlantic just south
of Cork, Old Head provides a unique visual
experience. The course occupies a stunning
headland reaching out over two miles into
the ocean. Though the course is modern
by Ireland standards—building of the links
commenced in 1993 and it opened for play
in 1997—the area is steeped in history.
On the way to the course, you’ll pass
Downmacpatrick (Old Head) Castle.
Behind the 18th green, you’ll find Old Head
Lighthouse, built to assist navigation and
to warn against invasions in earlier times.
Remains of two other lighthouses can be
found near the 6th and 7th tees.
One of Ireland’s more exclusive private
clubs, Old Head stretches from 5,413 to
7,100 yards. Nine holes play along the cliff
tops with all 18 holes providing ocean views.
The course’s design team was headed by
past Jack Nicklaus Design Team member
Ron Kirby and included Hackett and the
late Dr. Joe Carr.
The demanding par-4 finishing hole
features out of bounds on the right and
spectacular views of the Old Head Light-
house as you’re finishing your round on the
two-tiered green.
Old Head Golf Links occupies
a stunning headland stretching
over two miles into the ocean.
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WATERVILLE GOLF LINKS