Ballyliffin Golf Club (Old Links)

Old Links Along Pollan Strand

The Old Links at Ballyliffin Golf Club reached eighteen holes in 1973 after work began on land bought by the club in 1970. Eddie Hackett advised on the routing, while Charles Lawrie and Frank Pennink also contributed ideas. Local agricultural adviser Martin Hopkins added further suggestions, leaving the course with several hands in its early design.

Its character comes from the ground rather than heavy shaping. Fairways rise and fall through low dunes beside Pollan Strand, so a well-struck drive can still finish on a sloping stance. Deep revetted bunkers tighten the preferred lines, while the exposed setting keeps the Atlantic wind involved across the round.

Pat Ruddy and Tom Craddock altered selected holes while the Glashedy Links was being built, including new work around the 7th, 8th, 13th, 15th, and 16th. Faldo Design returned in 2004, adding new tees and revetted bunkers. Two greens were enlarged. The par-three 5th, known as "The Tank", remains one of the clearest examples of the course's natural drama, with its raised green set among the dunes.