Ballybunion Golf Club
Reviews for the Old Course course are listed on this page
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Undoubtably the finest all-around challenge I've ever experienced...and I played in the sun in late-June '01, with little wind. Shorts and a short sleeved shirt! I can only imagine how difficult (and exciting) this track becomes when the weather comes into play. I plan to find out next year!
Keep it in play, and TRUST your caddie! His advice may not look to make sense, but follow it and you will be rewarded! As a 15 handicapper, I managed a 93....and am still smiling ear to ear!
Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful...and the highlight of this year's trip!
One more thing...regarding the comments about the expensive pro/gift shop. Did you go for the golf, or to buy a shirt to impress your friends?
Jim Parsons Atlanta (JP630@aol.com ) 10/01


Myself and a friend played the Old Course at Ballybunion twice in mid August, 2001. It was our favourite course of our trip. Our first round was played in rain and 40-mph winds and we shot 92 and 93. Our 2nd rounds the next day were played on a beautiful but fairly windy day, I shot 78 and my friend shot 80. We are both 5 handicaps. The course is tough, fun and beautiful. We played from the regular tees, which are only about 6250 yards; the back tees appear to be only 6750 yards. Due to the wind and the nature of the course, it plays much longer than the yardage. Consequently, you Americans that play from the back tees at home all the time, as do I, will be sufficiently tested by the regular tees at this course. The rough is murder, the greens, fairways and tees were perfect! We feel very lucky to have been permitted to play this great golf course. Also, take a caddy and hit the clubs he hands you, we recommend either Lez and/or Tim.
John F. Reidy, Houston, Texas (jfr@pdq.net) 09/01


My wife and I toured 1,800 miles of Ireland's finest coasts in two weeks in 1999. Ballybunion was a highlight of the trip. We played the Old Course in July- sunny and hot for a few holes, rainy and chilly by 18. The weather enhanced the experience for us. After losing a few well-struck balls on the front, I knew I should have hired a caddie. TAKE A CADDIE!!

One of the men in our group did and his caddie was very helpful (his eyes AND suggestions saved strokes). I have never in my life put complete faith in a caddie (and I was a caddie) as I did that day. I went out in 45 without his help, and came in 40 with it. Get this, on the 15th (212yd par 3)- James (the caddie) tells me to start the ball out toward the ocean, left of the mound that obscures the left half of the green (wind was across and in at 30MPH). I say OK, pull out a 2 iron and flush it right where he told me to hit it. As I look up it appears as though it's headed for the beach, the caddie screamed, in his classic 12 year old brogue, 'Perfect!!' I thought he was nuts. The ball peaked, and started back inland before it disappeared over a large mound as it made its descent (the 15th green is partially obscured from the tee by the mound I've described here). About ten seconds later (it seemed like ten minutes), I see the ball slowly roll by the stick on a perpendicular path from the one it started on in the tee box. It missed going in by a foot and stopped about ten feet from the cup.

I will never forget the view of the beach the mound and the ball reappearing like that. It was golf nirvana. Or maybe it would have been had I sunk the ten footer. Other great memories include getting up and down on number 11, the hole you often see on the Slazenger commercials that Tom Watson claims is the best par 4 in golf. What a day. It was two years ago and I still remember it clearly.
The beer at the end tasted good too.
We'll be back!!
Mark and Sharon Sullivan, Chicago IL. (mark.sullivan@carolinafirst.com) 06/01


Played the old course in the middle of '00 - started off with three birdies in the first 5 holes and wondered what the fuss is about - then I found out! Holes 7 through 18 give some of the most daunting yet rewarding shots in the book - missed the fairway on the 11th from the tee by about a yard and walked off with a good 6. Fair? Possibly not. A challenge? Most definitely. Breathtaking? Undeniably. Hit the ball long and straight and you'll find it easy - stray just a touch and look out.

Not the best links course I've played, County Down is much better, as is Carnoustie - but for location, scenery and fun golf it takes some beating!
C Mark Wilson (cmwilson@cmw.demon.co.uk) 02/01


I've had the good fortune to have played the Old Course at Ballybunion on three occasions. My first opportunity came in 1989 and it remains the highlight of my golf life.
I went on to play there in 1991 and 1992, as well. There is no finer challenge to golfers of all abilities than The Old Course at Ballybunion. This course will require you to play all the clubs in your bag, and play them well. It will also challenge you to play a wide variety of shots under ever changing conditions. Ballybunion is the ultimate in links golf course and the ultimate in golfing experiences.
Karen Hubbard (HubatHob@msn.com) 01/01


Since I have started in golf, I have played more than one hundred courses all over Europe. I have been to Ballybunion three times ( 91, 93, 97) . For me the Old course ranks in my personnal Top ten as NUMBER 1.

I hope I can be back again next year.
Jean KEHREN (kehrenje@cmcee.creditmutuel.fr)11/99


The wind was moderate and we had a few rain squalls to contend with. The holes on the Atlantic side are surreal and can distract concentration with their beauty. Shot 89 with hired clubs ( fairly ordinary) so was reasonably happy. The clothes for sale are outrageously priced - be warned.
Member, Liverpool Golf Club Sydney Australia
Barry Mullins (fishburn@flex.com.au) 06/99


There is no doubt in my mind that the Old Course at Ballybunion is the best in Ireland, and certainly one of best in the world. On the west coast, only Lahinch comes close. We played in the wind and rain of a soft' day, but nothing Mother Nature could dish out took away from the experience. Each hole is unique, some good and some spectacular, but all a test of your skills.

There is no substitute for a senior caddie here as club choice is difficult and the occasional errant shot requires their experienced eyes to find your ball amid the dunes and tall grass. Shoot your handicap here the first time around and you should be proud as a peacock. I did, and I was. Bring your Gore-Tex and your best swing.
Terry Dillow (tdillow@email.msn.com) 01/99


Leave your clubs in the car and walk around it. The toughest test of golf this side of Atlanta greens. I don't care what handicap you've got, firing blind over dune after dune is a total lottery (both New and Old course). And if there's wind......

Visit Ballybunion by all means, but make sure you play Traleeas well!
Jerry Horwood (Jerry@2ndbyte.com) 11/98


It's true what they say about only ever missing something when it's gone.
Declan O Connell (98HNDG10@reaseheath.ac.uk)


Ballybunion, the Old Course is not overrated. It is the kind of course that is to be savoured and digested slowly. Its beauty and subtlety grow with each hole you play. It grudgingly yields par to a game that mixes good course management and a more than average skill level . The rich rewards it presents are not necessarily measured by your shot count, but rather by its pristine beauty and a magnificent test of skill and mental endurance.

I have played all over the world at some of the finest courses in the U.S, Scotland, and Ireland. Ballybunion Golf Club, the Old Course takes a back seat to none. At least once a year I return to Ireland to meet the challenges of Olde Head, Waterville, Lahinch, Tralee, Royal County Down, Royal Portrush, Royal Dublin, and Portmarnoch. They are all magnificent courses.

However, only one course looms majestic over all the others, and that is the Old Course at Ballybunion. Incidentally, Robert Trent Jones designed the Cashen Course(Ballybunion New) in 1984. The Old course does not have an original course architect. It has been modified here and there over the years by Tom Simpson, Molly Gourlay, William McCarthy and Tom Watson.
Marc Balson (guttadoc@email.msn.com) (7/98)


Played the Old Course last August (97) in a driving rainstorm but it is still the best course I have ever played. Will be going back next year to play it again.
Ron Felton (BRFELTO@aol.com) - 7/98


Played the Old at 7am in September 1997. Very crowded, overcast and windy.That said, this is one of the greatest golfing experiences of my life. Holes 7 11 15 and 17 will change you forever. Some of the greatest tee shots in the world. The second shot on #11 will make you believe in God!
Don Thackerdthacker (dthacker@worldaccess.com) - 7/98


One of the greatest golf courses I have ever played.. It leaves you speechless...all serious golfers should play this course once in there lives (at least once)...this was a real honour.(I play the home of the 2002 US Open, Bethpage, Black)
John Muuss (jmmk@worldnet.att.net) 7/98


Played 'The Old Course' in June of '97. Strong winds off the water but an absolutely beautiful course. I recommend hiring a Sr. Caddy. 35mph winds and only lost one (1) ball. Hard to score well the first time you play this course as you are looking at all of the beautiful vista once you turn at #6. Bring a camera! Reservations a must, I booked in Jan, for a June round.
Robert D. Moore (robmoore@fast.net) 7/98


I have played Ballybunion twice - once in '93 and then again in June of '97. It is a fine course, no question, but it is a bit over-rated. Holes 1-6 are nothing special, #16 is goofy and I don't believe you should have hidden shots to the green on #18. A fine golf experience indeed, but I consider Ballybunion old to be the #6 course I've played in Ireland. Ballybunion is verrrry difficult in windy conditions due to the extremely small greens.

It is an excellent example of Jones' work in utilizing the terrain to good advantage and a worthwhile play if you're there, but lower your score expectations a bunch!! Finally, nowhere in the British Isles is merchandise more dear than at the Ballybunion clubhouse.

My wife observed that she could get a fairly normal cotton golf shirt for an intersting price. This was for sleeveless leading her to wonder as we departed how much a shirt with sleeves might cost. If you are travelling the West coast or are in the Killarney area, the old course should be played and I will again if I have the opportunity but better courses and challenges are available for cheaper.
Rick Nowosad (rickmaddog@aol.com) 7/98