Portmarnock Golf Club
Since 1894, Portmarnock Golf Club has welcomed the world’s greatest players to the hallowed links peninsula. Early legends like Harry Vardon and John Ball all played a role in bringing Portmarnock Golf Club to prominence. During the War Years, golfing professionals like Bobby Locke and Henry Cotton competed and won various Championships at the club. And of course, the first super star of modern golf Arnold Palmer was instrumental with Sam Snead in 1960 with their victorious Canada Cup win, again elevating the links’ reputation at a global level.
Five-time Major winner and three-time Irish Open champion, Seve captured the 1986 Irish Open at Portmarnock with a score of 285 (3 under par).
"I always enjoy my time in Ireland but in particular playing links golf at fantastic courses like Portmarnock"
Palmer arrived at Portmarnock for the 1960 Canada Cup having won both the US Masters and the US Open earlier that year. A week later, he would travel to St. Andrews for the Centenary Open, bidding to complete the third leg of the Grand Slam. As it happened, he finished runner-up to Kel Nagle of Australia.
"Sam Sneed and I played in the Canada Cup at Portmarnock in 1960 and I recall saying to Sam on the way home that every aspect of our games was examined that week"
Winner of fifteen Major championships, Tiger has been a frequent visitor to Portmarnock Golf Club in his preparations for The Open Championship. Here on one such occasion, with Mark O’Meara in 2000.
"One of the most enjoyable links courses I have had an opportunity to play"
The great Australian is best remembered for his five Open Championship triumphs, but Thomson played in the Canada Cup (World Cup) at Portmarnock in 1960 with Kel Nagle. The following week, they travelled together to St. Andrews for The Open and Thomson was thought in some circles to have inspired his fellow countryman to a memorable triumph.
"There are often arguments as to the greatest courses in these islands, but no one would dispute Portmarnock's right to a place in the first few."
Harry spent forty years at Portmarnock. He won the Irish PGA Championship 10 times between 1941 and 1957. He was also the Irish Open champion in 1947 and 1949. He teamed with Christy O'Connor to win the Canada Cup for Ireland in Mexico in 1958. Harry also played in the Ryder Cup on three occasions (1953, 1955 and 1957) and was twice Dunlop Masters champion, in 1953 and 1955.
"By saying that Portmarnock is long and difficult, which it certainly is, I don’t wish to frighten the handicap player away. There are no unfair carries and remember, there's the added satisfaction of knowing that a moderate score there, would represent top-class play on a shorter, easier parkland stretch."
Nine-time Major winner, Gary Player, played in the 1978 Irish Open at Portmarnock Golf Club. He was the reigning US Masters champion at the time.
"What a wonderful links golf course Portmarnock is. I played in the Irish Open and recall vividly the challenge it presented that week. I hope to go back there some day very very soon."
An acknowledged expert on links terrain, Watson regularly visited Ireland as preparation for The Open Championship which he won on five occasions. The holder of eight Major titles made a memorable visit with American friends to Portmarnock Golf Club in 1983 and played consecutive days on the links.
"There are no tricks or nasty surprises at Portmarnock, only an honest, albeit searching test of shot making skills."
While learning the craft that would deliver four Major titles, McIlroy competed in the 2006 Irish Amateur Open Championship at Portmarnock. After rounds of 73, 71, 74, 73 he was beaten in play-off by Finland’s Antti Ahokas.
"I always love playing Portmarnock Golf Club; one of the world’s greatest links courses in my view"
Winner of six Major titles during a sparkling career, the colourful American professional experienced Portmarnock as a leading challenger in Alcan Golfer of the Year Tournament in 1970, when he was tied third.
"My first time in Ireland, I remember playing the Alcan Golfer Of the Year tournament at Portmarnock. WOW, did we get some tough links conditions that week but what a great course"
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