29. Portmarnock Red and Blue – Top 100 UK and Ireland golf courses 2012

Architect: WC Pickeman Stats: 6,926 yds, par 72, SSS 74 GF: 18 Holes weekday/weekend €175, 36 Holes weekday €260, 18 holes before 09:00 €145 Visitor information: Weekdays 07:30-11:00, Saturday 15:00-16:30, Sunday 12:00-15:30 W: portmarnockgolfclub.ie 2010 Ranking: 26 (down 3) Improvements since 2010 Rankings: Course: Two new bunkers to the left of 1st fairway and extended right side of fairway to estuary, new 1st green moved towards the estuary - new championship tees on 12th, 15th and 18th holes - extended surrounds on the 4th and mounded around the back of the green, also removed four trees and planted marram grass to make it look like a dune system - raised 6th fairway to remove blind tee shot - gorse removed from the 11th and 18th rough to improve playability - removed buckthorn from the right side of the 15th to give views of the sea

Panellists' Comments: "The visiting golfer to the east of Ireland will most certainly wish to have this course within their itinerary"; "The design is strong throughout, all holes seem to be of near or equal quality"; "Unarguably one of the toughest links courses in Ireland but also a very fair test."

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