BALLYLIFFIN GOLF CLUB - THE OLD LINKS - 15 POINTS
When a course is named ‘The Old Links’, I expect to be talking at least 100 years old. Ballyliffin is an exception. The course was only opened for play in the 1970s. However, when I discovered that after my round, it really came as a surprise. The land is classic links land, and it definitely feels like it has had golf played on it for much longer than 50 years.
Compared to the more modern Glashedy next door, The Old definitely feels like a more traditional links golf course. It isn’t set in the same dramatic dunes as the Glashedy, but the fairways are more undulating and you are more likely to use your ground game here. In fact, the fairways on the early holes are some of the most crumpled I have ever come across, giving those in Montrose a run for their money! It means that the course will play differently every time you tee it up - exacerbated by this being a windy part of the world too.
The fairways of The Old Links have plenty of movement going on.
The course is well bunkered and avoiding them is key to scoring well, but there is good fairway width and nothing tricked up around the greens, so it is a less punishing course than its neighbour. As a result, I suspect that higher handicap players probably enjoy playing The Old a little more than The Glashedy.
While you are always aware of being near the coast at Ballyliffin, there aren’t many holes on the water. The tee on the 14th does take you close though. This is a really good par 5. You tee off from a tee near the water and placement of your tee shot is key as there’s a bunker waiting for you in the middle of the fairway. There’s a big mound short and left of the green which pushes you to the right but the green (pictured at the top of this page) is surrounded by devilish swales waiting to deflect your ball again.
The par 5 14th hole from the air
The Old Links may not have quite as much drama as some other courses in Donegal but it is an ideal companion to The Glashedy. It may not be as architecturally interesting but it gives you a chance to breathe and enjoy being in this beautiful part of the world.
BOOKING THE COURSE
You can book The Old Links on the website here. Golf in Ireland has become progressively more expensive in recent years and a round here will cost you €200 in peak summer. Irish residents will get a very good discount on this though, and can expect to pay around €80. There are discounts for playing both the Glashedy and Old Course on the same day. And there are seasonal discounts, although they are not detailed on the site so best to phone to find out more about them.
Prices correct as of August 2023.
TOUR TIPS
There is accommodation in Ballyliffin itself, very close to the golf, at The Ballyliffin Lodge and Spa. Derry isn’t far away and is a good base, especially if you are looking to add in rounds at Portstewart and Portrush too.
I stayed at Rosapenna and made the hour and a half drive up for the day which worked well. You can read about that experience and other courses I played in the area here.
CONTACT DETAILS
Ballyliffin,
Inishowen,
Co. Donegal,
Ireland
F93 C573
Tel: +353 74 937 6119
E-mail: info@ballyliffingolfclub.com
Web: www.ballyliffingolfclub.com
