County Sligo Golf Club at Rosses Point, Colt Championship Links Course Review, Tee Times and Key Info

County Sligo Golf Club at Rosses Point, Colt Championship Links Key Information

Founded in 1894, and a climber in our Top 100 golf courses UK&I for 2025/26, County Sligo Golf Club at Rosses Point is one of the oldest links in Ireland. Harry Colt was principally responsible for the design of the championship course and It’s a great example of his design prowess, with some tremendous holes. Martin Hawtree has advised the club on more recent improvements to the layout as has Pat Ruddy.

The prolific Ruddy worked on the "revitalisation" of this great Colt links for a decade, with one of his most significant changes a new green on the 3rd to help lengthen the hole sufficiently for it to regain its true par-5 credentials. Other holes that came under Ruddy's scrutiny included the 1st, 2nd, 6th, 11th and 14th, with greens on certain other holes also extended to either the side or rear. Not only did the club bestow honorary life membership on Ruddy when he retired from his work there, but it also introduced the Pat Ruddy Perpetual Trophy, awarded to the leading qualifier in the West of Ireland Championship. I think that's a great tribute.

In recent times, the club has invested in creating a new green complex at the 15th and a realignment of the bunkering around the 3rd green.

There’s a distinct feeling of being encircled by the sea at County Sligo, though the flat-topped mountain of Benbulben forms an intriguing backdrop to many holes.

You climb away from the clubhouse before suddenly being presented with a magnificent panorama of virtually the entire course, which is one of the best golf courses in Ireland. It all seems deceptively open and forgiving from this aerial perspective.

The short 4th is one of my favourite holes and think it is a perfect example of a par 3 that simply doesn’t need bunkers, played as it is to a green that slopes away from you and has a run-off area short and right.

From the elevated tee at the next, you see some of the treats in store, but the most magical area is still hidden from view, over the dunes at the far end of the course.

Throughout the round, the views of the Ox Mountains and the golfing test are outstanding. When you reach the distant loop of holes around the turn, I always feel as though I'm in a different world.

The short 13th by the beach is another lovely short hole, and the penultimate hole might just be the best on the course – a very demanding dogleg left up to a green tucked away in the dunes.

County Sligo’s most famous golfer was Ceil Ewing. He was six times a Walker Cup player and winner of the West of Ireland on 10 occasions. He was captain at County Sligo in 1950 and again in 1961.

What's new for 2025/26? What our panellists said…

Gary Etherson

Sligo is a fun and demanding course to play. There are tough holes like the 7^th and 17^th which stick out in the mind. Fun holes like the 5^th and 12^th while the finish from the 13 to 18^th will really test a player coming home. It is nice to play a course that hosts the top amateurs in the country and see how your game stacks up against them. I am always impressed with how well they keep on top of divots on this course. A hard-working team of greens staff deserve much credit for their endeavours on this course.

John Winter

This was undoubtedly one of my favourite courses that I played while in Ireland. Playing through the dunes at Portstewart and Enniscrone may have been more striking and rarer but negotiating the short par 3, 13^th surrounded by the sea, with a stream to avoid and the distant hills as your backdrop, was way more exciting.

County Sligo Golf Club at Rosses Point, Colt Championship Links Location

County Sligo Golf Club at Rosses Point, Colt Championship Links Scorecard

Best Courses Near to County Sligo Golf Club at Rosses Point, Colt Championship Links

ENNISCRONE (DUNES)

Do not be fooled by the innocuous, Old Course-esque opening drive! Having signalled right for your approach to the first green, you then enter some of the finest and most attractive and dramatic dunes anywhere in the Top 100. This Eddie Hackett design is simply one of the most entertaining and varied links in the country.

DONEGAL GOLF CLUB

With five three-shotters and a par of 73, it stretches to more than 7,400 yards from the championship tees but is a far more manageable proposition for golfers of all abilities from the variety of forward tees. A lovely course in a glorious setting that deserves to be better known.

For more great courses in the area, check out our guide to the best golf courses in Ireland.

Best Places to Stay Near County Sligo Golf Club at Rosses Point, Colt Championship Links

The Glasshouse, Sligo - Book now at Booking.com
With stunning design and spacious rooms, The Glasshouse is set on The Garravogue River in Sligo’s centre. The award-winning Kitchen restaurant serves full Irish breakfasts, an extensive lunch menu, and a creative evening á la carte menu. The Manhattan-style View Bar boasts fantastic river views, floor-to-ceiling windows, and luxurious decor.

Radisson BLU Hotel and Spa, Sligo - Book now at Booking.com
Just a short drive from the Golf Club, this is a comfortable and well-appointed hotel with a swimming pool and a fitness club. The Brasserie serves a super buffet breakfast each day, including homemade pastries, fresh fruit, and Irish bread. The modern evening menu is served against views of Sligo Bay.

County Sligo Golf Club at Rosses Point, Colt Championship Links Gallery

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County Sligo Golf Club at Rosses Point, Colt Championship Links Historical Top 100 Ranking UK&I

• 2025/26 - 81
• 2023/24 - 86
• 2021/22 - 90
• 2019/20 - 89
• 2017/18 - 87
• 2015/16 - 93

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