Ballybunion Golf Club

Every golf destination should use Ballybunion as a template for what quality service looks like. I was greeted and spoken to by name from the front entrance, the practice facilities were the best I’ve ever encountered, and the light breakfast before my round was impeccable. The round itself was in its own league, inexplicably beautiful property made even more enjoyable by the guidance and general chit chat with my caddy, Morris. Amazing lunch menu and well poured Guinness. Worth coming from Australia just for today, thanks to all the staff involved.

My favourite, some amazing holes, 11th/16th, great par 3s, putted off the greens on one, hybrid putting off the green a few times, good food and drinks and friendly staff, like the nice touch of the golf card folder souvenir

It’s hard to describe the size of the dunes. They are magnificent. The course is big but playable. Beautiful scenery. Wonderful golf holes. For my money, on the shortlist for greatest course in the world. A personal favorite.

Loved this course—it was the toughest of the five we played, but I truly appreciated the entire experience provided by the course staff. From the ball marker and score card holder given upon arrival to the excellent practice facilities, pro shop, and the course itself, everything was top-notch. This is a special experience, and they make sure you know it.

The best of the best. I have been lucky enough to play most of the great courses in the Republic of Ireland and for me Ballybunion is the best of them all. The course has amazing views, great elevation changes and some of the best green complexes anywhere. The staff there is kind and courteous, which you don't always get at a premier course and I have heard that they have upgraded the practice facility since I was last there. Ballybunion in pure class and I would recommend it to anyone wanting to play a bucket list course.

As a former junior member, it was a privilege to return. The course hasn’t changed. Exquisite, difficult but satisfying. Green fees are very expensive and out of reach for many people. It would be great to have a round cheaper but I guess that’s the American market pushing them up . Oh well.

A beautiful course with very courteous staff. We took one fore-caddy, Paddy, who added a great deal to our enjoyment. The course is very difficult; stay in the fairways at all costs.

What an amazing course. Rich with history. Beautifully maintained and the people working there were great. I can't explain being able to play my dad's favorite course he ever played two years after he passed. I will say I am very disappointed in the rental clubs available. They had many months to let me know that the clubs I requested wouldn't be available when I got there. To have to play graphite shafted regular shaft clubs for a once in a lifetime course, I was incredibly disappointed. I would have brought my clubs had they just been upfront with me about the type of clubs they had available. Being a lefty I have come to expect this, but I asked several times, so they had a chance to tell me. That was incredibly disappointing.

We played both courses in one day! What an experience. Daniel was our caddie for both rounds and we thoroughly enjoyed his direction and conversation. The weather was perfect for us and our playing partners were enjoyable. The courses need no review because it is hard to find something that hasn't been already said. The staff was very friendly and the food was very good.

65 degrees and sunny! Who would have thought! Lovely course. In great shape! Right along the ocean and a huge sandy beach. The course plays very long. And was a true delight. Fast greens!

This is a beautiful Golf Course just outside the town of Ballybunion. Breathtaking views of the course & the beaches below. However the club itself appears dated & needs some updating in my opinion. Had a fun time here.

Considered one of the finest links courses in the world, Ballybunion's reputation grew over time. Unfortunately, its remote locale on the Irish coast has prevented the course from being selected for many top championship events. Still, a number of the world's best players have found their way to the famed course. One, in particular, has had a lasting impact. Tom Watson first visited Ballybunion in 1981 and has returned often. In 1995, he remodeled Ballybunion into the course that exists today.In 2005 Ballybunion was ranked by Golf Digest as the seventh best course in the world outside the United States. Bill Clinton visited the course in September 1998 and a statue commemorating his visit stands out front of the Garda station in Ballybunion. The course was also host to the Murphys Irish Open in 2000 and Palmer Cup in 2004 Challenge the corner of the cemetery on the first, and give new meaning to "do or die." Work your way out to the sea and the roller-coaster 11th, tumbling 3 tiers along the cliffs. Climb to the 17th tee, the tallest dune on the course, where a bench with "CTH" inscribed on it sits. This is in honor and memory of a popular deceased member who used to stand there and remark "this is the Closest to Heaven I'm ever going to get!" The Old Course is simply sensational, but there is even more to be experienced at Ballybunion, the many restaurants and pubs. It's also brilliant to come by the Club and have lunch or dinner and look out over the view of the course overlooking the Atlantic ocean... breathtaking! BTW, the golf course is NOT in Listowel; it is in Ballybunion. I am the first to review the course, however, the business was already listed.

Your caddy RUINED MY EXPERIENCE. Talked during my shots, blatantly walked in front of me while I tried to hit my ball. Literally picked up my ball on 4 holes because of his rudeness. Your caddy wasn't hired by my 2 some but he was golfing with us and should've had the decency of respect to not talk during every shot and be so obviously rude. Your way overcharging and your service is terrible. They had us as a 6some when we showed up so our tee time was way screwed up and we had to wait 30 mins to get in, (which was fine) but your hospitality is nothing like this country has been. It was rude uppity and all around a terrible ripoff and unwelcoming experience. Just because we didn't hire your caddy doesn't give him a right to treat us like peasants. It was wrong. This course is for status (to say you played it) I encourage anyone from the USA or Ireland to try a lesser known nicer friendlier course. Terribly disappointed.

Great course. Toughest back 9 I've seen. Definitely put this course on your to do list. Great seafood chowder. A must have.

This course has to be on your playing list in Ireland. I never thought that sitting on a first tee, I would be worried about hitting a ball into a cemetery that is on the first fairway but I have to imagine that would be very bad luck. After traversing the first 5 holes that are somewhat average the course becomes just stunning. The back 9 has to be the best natural work of art by God that I have ever seen on a golf course. While the fairways are typical old school Europe golf(not green) I was in heaven. Hole after hole on the back nine is spectacular. After you finish, eating in the clubhouse is another amazing treat. Views down the 18th fairway with the Atlantic Ocean in the background. Food is great as well.

Absolutely stunning. The old course is everything you can ask for. Better be in the fairways or be a billy goat. Accuracy is key. Great views. Tuff course bring extra balls.

Having played many of the renowned US courses including Olympic Club, Pine Valley, Whistling Straits, Bandon Dunes, Pebble Beach, Spyglass and Pinehurst I can candidly report that this is the most challenging and epic golf experience of my life. I highly recommend a journey to Ballybunion to play the Old Course. Make a tee time well in advance!

The Old Course is the finest links you will ever play. There is nothing comparable in the US - although Bandon Dunes/Pacific Dunes are both outstanding. Make sure to get a caddie when you play there, it really adds to the experience. Also, be sure to venture up to the "CTH" bench on the 17th tee - you will definitely feel Close To Heaven there.