Strandhill is a links golf course known for its quirkiness and sense of adventure. You will be tossed about at will, constantly tested and teased, and yet you will always leave the course with a smile on your face. Situated opposite the mighty Co. Sligo Golf Club at Rosses Point in the north west of Ireland, Strandhill has always been the smaller, lesser known cousin. Much of it has been designed by passionate members with horse and plough, which gives you an idea of the mood and playfulness you will experience here.
In some places it is changeable, in others simply magical. It also has unique qualities, with two borders touched by the sea, a huge dune on one side and the towering mountain of Knocknarea on the other. This is a beautiful place to swing the golf club.
The approach to the 6th green at Strandhill from the left side
(Photo credit: Kevin Markham)
Strandhill has improved significantly in recent years. Its charming qualities remain, but architect Ally McIntosh has made some improvements: “The course has retained its innocence, which has provided an opportunity to greatly improve its appearance and strategy. To this end, I have had the pleasure of working with the club over the past few years. I have completely redesigned the bunker system, added more scale to the compact terrain and toned down some of the artificial elements built by the members.”
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Next to the clubhouse is the highest point on the course: the 15th green and 13th tee hole. If you want to appreciate the charm of Strandhill in a single moment, head to the 13th hole, climb the “viewing steps” in front of the tee hole and look at the hole below, then do a 360-degree turn. With holes cascading down on three sides and the sound of the waves crashing over Sligo Bay, this is the true essence of Strandhill.
The 13th also happens to be the strangest hole here – perhaps in all of Ireland – but you also miss the 5th green and fairway, possibly the prototype of bubble wrap, while the 15th hole next to it is a sharp dogleg that starts low and climbs so fast it makes your nose bleed.
The 15th green is the highest point on the links at Strandhill.
(Photo credit: Kevin Markham)
Quirk aside
For some golfers, the word “quirk” is a negative, like “fun.” Strandhill has both, but there are also links courses of a high caliber. Holes like the par 4 6th, which winds down to the sea, the straight 7th, which tees off from the top, and two special if intimidating par 3s (the 2nd and 14th) – one exposed to the wind, the other hidden in the dunes – underline the seriousness of this course.
And they are not alone. Combine this with the particularly unique holes on holes 4, 5, 13 and 15, as well as McIntosh’s professional flourishes, and Strandhill’s appeal only grows.
