Newly renamed Jameson Golf Links, the former Portmarnock Resort has found a new lease of life, following a major renovation costing several million euros. The work, which lasted two years, was an opportunity to renovate numerous holes on the prestigious Irish links.

Jameson Golf Links 17th

The opening 17, which was previously a difficult par three has been reinvented into an exciting par four, it completes a session of work which has created one of the most challenging and picturesque courses in Ireland.

Formerly known as Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links, several modifications were made to Bernhard Langer's original design from 1995, including the elevation of many tee boxes and greens to bring the sea closer to the course and create superb panoramic views of the North Dublin's Velvet Strand and on the famous island known locally asIreland's Eye (the eye of Ireland).

The work was carried out by Northland Real Estate Properties and the Gagliardi family, who took ownership of the complex in 2019, and the renovations were led by Jeff Lynch, director and principal architect of (re)GOLF.

The revamp of the course revives the inextricable link between the course, the clubhouse and the famous Jameson whiskey dynasty a family who played an important role in the introduction of golf to Ireland and particularly to the North Dublin Shore.

After the opening of the extended penultimate hole which became a 297 meter par four offering an elevated green and new bunkers, the course is now a par 72, measuring 6 meters from the back tees.

Although it is 83,6 yards longer than before from the back tee, it is easier to play from the three front sets of tees and improvements to the landing areas and bunkers allow golfers of all levels to cope and enjoy their journey.

Paul McCanny, golf director at Jameson Golf Links, said : " The feedback we have been receiving from our members and visitors on the changes to the course over the last year or so has been fantastic.

“Jeff Lynch and (re)GOLF Design, DAR Golf, Aquaturf Solutions and our own Jameson Golf Links maintenance team have completed a job of the highest quality. The aim was to make the most of our spectacular dune landscape whilst enhancing the golfing experience. We believe Jameson Golf Links is now one of the best golf courses in Ireland.”

Most of the work was done on the last ten holes. The 12th and 14th holes, previously par fours, have been redesigned as par fives, with the elevated green of the first offering an incredible view of the famous Velvet Strand, Howth Head, Lambay and Ireland's Eye.

Between these new par fives, the 13th hole, which was a par five, is now a very difficult par four to play, thus becoming the first hole on the course in terms of stroke index. The 15th hole has also been shortened, going from a par four to a par three.

Changes to the eighth hole, which was previously dog-legged and now transformed into a straighter par four following the development of a new fairway, green complex and grass fairways, have made it possible to relocate and expand the course's irrigation lake, which has significantly increased water harvesting capabilities and sustainability credentials.


Portmarnock Golf Links

Jeff Lynch, of re(GOLF) design, said: “We were delighted to be chosen to advise Northland Properties and the team at Portmarnock Resort & Jameson Golf Links. The course was already considered a real challenge for most golfers. Our goal was to strengthen the connection between the guest and the coastal experience.

“We have strived to strengthen this natural link at certain intervals of the route while complementing, or even adding to, the route strategy. I believe we have created a handcrafted landscape for the golfer and the environment that all parties involved can be proud of.

Portmarnock Resort has also undergone extensive hotel renovations in recent years, bringing Dublin's only coastal resort to a new level of luxury for golf-loving visitors to Ireland's famous capital.

Due to its location, the resort, 30 minutes from the heart of Dublin and 20 minutes from the capital's international airport, provides an ideal starting point for golfers keen to explore the vast array of world-class courses located on along the north coast of Dublin, notably Portmarnock Golf Club, The Island and Royal Dublin.

For more information on Portmarnock Resort and Jameson Golf Links, click here.

To read the latest article on the subject, click here

Portmarnock Resort unveils new Jameson Golf Links