Royal Portrush Valley Course

Royal Portrush Valley Course

Antrim

Situated between the Atlantic shoreline and the renowned Dunluce Course, the Valley Course at Royal Portrush Golf Club is a full-length championship-standard layout with a rich history and strong local character. Designed by Harry Colt in the 1920s, the Valley offers an enjoyable and challenging experience for golfers of all abilities, shaped by the natural contours of the North Antrim coast. 

Winding through the sheltered War Hollow, the course occupies land steeped in legend—believed to be the site of an ancient battle in 1102 between Norse invaders and native chieftains. Today, it plays host to one of the qualifying rounds for the North of Ireland Open Championship and stands proudly among the top 40 golf courses in Ireland. 

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course features

Facts About The Valley Course

Location
Royal Portrush Golf Club, County Antrim
Course Type
Championship Links
Designer
Harry Colt
Yardage
6,304 yards
Par
70
Notable Holes
Hole 5 (Par 4), Hole 6 (Par 3), new 15th & 18th
Course Setting
Coastal valleys and natural hollows
Recent Development
Renovations and new routing approved in 2023 (Mackenzie & Ebert)
Tournament Role
North of Ireland Open Championship Qualifier

The Valley Experience

The Valley has long been appreciated by those who know it well—Rathmore Golf Club, Royal Portrush Ladies, and the many locals who’ve played it year-round. It’s also where Graeme McDowell developed his game before going on to Ryder Cup and U.S. Open glory. 

With a layout that flows naturally through coastal landforms, the Valley presents a mix of visual charm and strategic challenge. Golfers must bring accuracy and thoughtful shot selection, particularly into well-positioned greens that reward precision rather than power. 

Two highlight holes stand out early in the round: 

  • Hole 5 (Par 4, 336 yards): Played from an elevated tee to a guarded green flanked by sharp drop-offs and deep bunkers. 
  • Hole 6 (Par 3, 237 yards): A long hole with visual deception, where positioning is key and danger lurks on both sides of the approach. 

Recent changes to accommodate adjustments on the Dunluce Course have brought new life to the Valley, including a new par-3 15th, a short par-4 finishing hole, and a lengthened 16th. A restored hole from the old Skerries layout has also been reintroduced. 

Further development, overseen by Mackenzie & Ebert, was approved in 2023, marking an exciting chapter in the Valley’s evolution and ensuring it remains a standout course in the years ahead. 

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Why Choose 18Ireland?

At 18Ireland, your experience at the Valley Course is built around your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a simple tee-time reservation or a complete golf package with accommodation, transport, and club hire, we provide exactly what you need—your golf, your way. 

Book your Valley Course round with 18Ireland today and discover why this historic layout deserves its place among Ireland’s most respected golf courses

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A Historic Championship Course on Northern Ireland’s North Coast

Situated between the Atlantic shoreline and the renowned Dunluce Course, the Valley Course at Royal Portrush Golf Club is a full-length championship-standard layout with a rich history and strong local character. Designed by Harry Colt in the 1920s, the Valley offers an enjoyable and challenging experience for golfers of all abilities, shaped by the natural contours of the North Antrim coast. 

Winding through the sheltered War Hollow, the course occupies land steeped in legend—believed to be the site of an ancient battle in 1102 between Norse invaders and native chieftains. Today, it plays host to one of the qualifying rounds for the North of Ireland Open Championship and stands proudly among the top 40 golf courses in Ireland. 

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