Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg: Course Review, Tee Times and Key Info

Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg Key Information

Whatever your views on the owners, Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg is one of the most spectacular courses in our Top 100 golf courses UK&I rankings. It also ranks as one of the best golf courses in Ireland, with recent improvements further enhancing the offering.

The dunes at Doonbeg were being considered for their golfing potential some 120 years ago when members of the Scottish Black Watch regiment sought a site for a course.

It wasn’t until over a century later though that Greg Norman would finally create a layout over this spectacular piece of coastline.

“The Shark” saw tremendous potential and employed his “least disturbance” approach to design, meaning that 14 of the greens and 12 of the fairways required no earth to be moved, just the grass to be cut.

Set amidst the incredible dunes overlooking Doughmore Bay in County Clare, Greg Norman’s brilliant layout has been further enhanced by Martin Hawtree since the Trump Organization took over in 2014.

A wonderful modern links, the course begins with, arguably, the greatest opening hole in our list, I would certainly say so. It's a fabulous par-5 leading into the dunes to an amphitheatre green.

It raises the expectation of what is to come, and that expectation is met with a tremendous selection of strikingly memorable holes that are supremely enjoyable simply to behold, let alone to play.

Although Trump Links Ireland is a relative youngster, I always feel the design flies the flag for old school links values as a traditional out and back layout.

The 18th is an outstanding finishing hole. There’s a real element of risk and reward if you play tight to the beach for a shorter approach into the green. It could be a real nail-biter in a tight game. New dunes on the right-hand side of the 10th and the left-hand side of 17th have been added to give the holes a little more definition.

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

Gavyn Cairns

There is to be found here a truly sublime test of shot making and a course design of near unparalleled quality.

Most if not all of the par 3s are strong holes, and the closing stretch from 15 inwards is an excellent example of links design.

Towering dune land, set alongside the rugged crescent shaped beach, spanning 1.5 miles.

Fairways were in large part pristine. Greens were of equal pace and were excellently presented.

The variety of tee boxed were excellently presented.

This is a championship venue albeit one feels it is by reason of its location it is sadly unlikely ever to hold an event befitting of its quality.

Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg Location

Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg Scorecard

Best Courses Near to Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg

LAHINCH

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. Martin Hawtree has completed sympathetic renovations more recently.

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.

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 Irish gems, check out our guide to the best golf courses in Ireland.

Best Places to Stay Near Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg

Trump Doonbeg - Book online
Stay at the hotel at Trump Doonbeg for the complete experience. The five-star hotel offers luxurious accommodation, a spa and excellent dining options. There's way more than just golf to enjoy, with a great range of activities on offer.

Lahinch Coast Hotel and Suites - Book now at Booking.com
Just off the beach in Lahinch, 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.

Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg Course Gallery

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Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg Historical Top 100 Ranking UK&I

• 2025/26 - 48
• 2023/24 - 47
• 2021/22 - 43
• 2019/20 - 35
• 2017/18 - 32
• 2015/16 - 32
• 2013/14 - 22
• 2011/12 - 22
• 2009/10 - 28

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