The Old Course at Ballybunion Golf Club in County Kerry, Ireland
Ballybunion is a name synonymous with Ireland links. Located in southwest Ireland's County Kerry, the club dates back to 1893, and the Old Course has emerged as the country's most coveted golf venue by visitors. Bill Clinton famously made a visit here, as have many PGA Tour legends, from Tiger Woods to Tom Watson, who was captain here in 2000 and went on to help renovate some holes over the years.
The golf course sits on some of Ireland's most spectacular dunes land and features several tee box locations overlooking the sea, starting on the seventh hole. The course plays just under 6,700 yards from the championship tees, but defends itself with narrow fairways and green complexes, as well as deep bunkers, collection areas and mounding.
The golf club is home to a second, newer links next door to the Old Course, the Cashen, built by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and opened in 1984. There are also extensive practice facilities, including a full driving range, multiple putting and chipping greens, and a beautiful clubhouse with full locker room and dining facilities.
Old Course at Ballybunion Golf Club - hole 7
The seventh is the first of several holes that play along the sea on the Old Course at Ballybunion Golf Club.
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Old Course at Ballybunion - hole 1 - cemetery
The first hole plays alongside an old cemetery on the Old Course at Ballybunion Golf Club.
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Old Course at Ballybunion G.C. - No. 2
The second hole is a tough par 4 that plays uphill to an elevated green on the Old Course at Ballybunion Golf Club.
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Old Course at Ballybunion Golf Club - hole 3
The third hole at Ballybunion Golf Club's Old Course is a par 3 that plays downhill from an elevated tee.
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Old Course at Ballybunion G.C. - hole 6
The par-4 sixth hole heads towards the sea at Ballybunion Golf Club's Old Course.
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Old Course at Ballybunion Golf Club - links
Ballybunion's Old Course features some of links golf's most striking dunes, in play throughout the round.
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Old Course at Ballybunion Golf Club - hole 8
The eighth hole at the Old Course at Ballybunion Golf Club is a par 3 with alternate greens.
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Old Course at Ballybunion G.C. - hole 10
The 10th hole on the Old Course at Ballybunion Golf Club is a dogleg left, short par 4.
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Old Course at Ballybunion Golf Club - hole 11
The 11th hole on the Old Course at Ballybunion is a long par 4 that plays along the sea the entire way.
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Ballybunion Golf Club - Bill Clinton statue
Before or after a round at Ballybunion Golf Club, every American should visit the Bill Clinton statue in the village.
Courtesy photo
