Lahinch Golf Club Old Course: Review, Tee Times and Key Info

Lahinch Golf Club Old Course Key Information

Lahinch, an Irish stalwart of our Top 100 golf courses UK&I rankings, played host to a thrilling Irish Open in 2019, won in some style by Jon Rahm. The event showcased the quality of the design and test offered by the Old Course, which is one of the best golf courses in Ireland. That, combined with the extensive works described above, has seen Lahinch climb to six places to 26^th on the 2020/21 ranking.

Golf at Lahnich on the County Clare coast began in 1892 when two officials of Limerick Golf Club laid out 18 holes with the assistance of officers from the “Black Watch” regiment. Old Tom Morris made improvements in 1894 but it was Dr Alister MacKenzie who, in 1927, created the course largely still in play today.

The Old Course is one of the finest examples of MacKenzie’s architectural prowess. His use of natural slopes and raised greens created a superb and rugged test of links golf.

Between 1999 and 2003 Martin Hawtree completed a renovation project to bring the striking links into line with the modern game in a way sympathetic to the MacKenzie design. In my opinion, it was a great success.

I find a round at Lahinch an exciting adventure as well as an exacting test. It’s a supremely natural course and one where every shot in the bag will be tested. The fairways run through huge grass-covered dunes to fast greens with devilish run-offs.

Combine all this with perfect bunker placement, you have a supremely strategic test and one I think is firm but fair.

There’s a great mix of holes, some asking for raw power, others for a more subtle approach. The natural contours of the land and the ever-present wind make for a superb natural test.

Lahinch added new Championship Tees on Holes 13 & 18, extending course length to 7066 yards. Significant work was completed on grass surfaces, bunkers and all areas of the golf course ahead of the hosting of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open in July 2019. Other recent improvements include a new halfway facility opened during 2020, extensive repair/maintenance programme of work was carried out on the coastal defence structure (rock armour) and new practice facilities were added, including a driving range tee box complex and the construction of an indoor performance centre.

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

Cathal Devlin

The dunes at Lahinch are the immediate standout. They’re big and bold but never overwhelming. It is indeed a tricky place to score well on a breezy day, but the playing corridors are wide and there’s plenty of room to miss, provided you don’t miss in the sea or on the adjacent road! Rough management was noticeably excellent. Punishing in the sense that you may get a poor lie, but it was well managed and balls were easily located. Lahinch is what links golf in Ireland is all about.

James Pinkstone

Lahinch, like St Andrews, is a part of the town. Walking to the course, past the goat statue and in the clubhouse to be greeted by historical pictures, famous golfers and the welcoming staff is a perfect start to the day. The great and the good have played Lahinch and it’s an experience to savour.

Lahinch Golf Club Old Course Location

Lahinch Golf Club Old Course Scorecard

Best Courses Near To Lahinch Golf Club Old Course

TRUMP INTERNATIONAL GOLF LINKS IRELAND DOONBEG

Set amidst the incredible dunes overlooking Doughmore Bay in County Clare, Greg Norman’s brilliant layout at Doonbeg has been further enhanced by Martin Hawtree since the Trump Organisation took over in 2014. It’s a spectacular setting for golf and this fabulous layout makes the very most of the stunning surroundings. It’s a modern classic.

BALLYBUNION

Ballybunion justifiably enjoys a worldwide reputation for its imperious setting on Ireland’s wild, west coast. The club dates back to 1893, and following a very enjoyable limbering up over the opening six holes, the Old Course shifts into overdrive as you reach the rugged cliffs at the 7th. From then on, you work your way though spectacular dunes where it is all too easy to be distracted by the visual feast that awaits.

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

Best Places to Stay Near Lahinch Golf Club Old Course

Lahinch Coast Hotel and Suites - Book now at Booking.com

Just off the beach, Lahinch Coast Hotel and Suites offers a seasonal sauna, spa bath, and a steam room. There's the cozy Aberdeen Bar, with a fireplace and the Dunes Restaurant serves home-cooked meals and full Irish breakfasts between March and November.

Vaughan Lodge Hotel - Book now at Booking.com

Very good location close to the village and the golf course. Spacious rooms, good breakfasts and fine dining in the evenings. A family run hotel.

Lahinch Golf Club Old Course Gallery

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Lahinch Golf Club Old Course Historical Top 100 Ranking UK&I

• 2025/26 - 24
• 2023/24 - 26
• 2021/22 - 26
• 2019/20 - 32
• 2017/18 - 28
• 2015/16 - 26
• 2013/14 - 23
• 2011/12 - 16
• 2009/10 - 11

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