Ballyliffin (Old)

• Location: Ballyliffin, County Donegal
• Open: 1947
• Designer: Martin Hopkins
• Major Course Updates: Eddie Hackett, Charles Lawrie, Frank Pennink, Pat Ruddy
• Events Hosted: N/A
• Key Rankings: 19th best golf course in Ireland, Top 100 Golf Courses (2022)

 
Built in 1947 but expanded to 18 holes in 1973, the Old at Ballyliffin is a stunning seaside links through the Irish dunes, akin to a roller coaster full to twists, turns, and excitement. Awkward lies help protect the greens, which feature a respectable amount of contour in their medium sized surfaces. Interestingly, the golf course did not come into the spotlight until Nick Faldo’s visit in 1993, where he exclaimed that Ballyliffin’s Old course was “one of the most natural courses I have ever played.” From that point on, the Old has comfortably sat in the “must plays” of a great golfing nation.