Trump International Golf Links, Doonbeg

Norman's Route Along Doughmore Bay

The golf course at Trump International Golf Links, Doonbeg opened in 2002, although interest in using this ground for golf reaches back to 1892. The modern project developed after a local community company promoted the idea during the early 1990s, leading to the purchase of 377 acres from four farming families. Construction began in December 1999.

Greg Norman followed a "least disturbance" approach, taking the routing through the natural dunes beside Doughmore Bay. The course covers 1.5 miles of crescent-shaped beach and uses a single loop, with nine holes travelling out and nine returning.

Its unusual par balance includes five par threes and five par fives. Atlantic views appear from sixteen holes, while the changing coastal wind can alter the preferred line and club choice throughout the day.

Martin Hawtree's later redesign adjusted the course over two years while retaining Norman's routing through the sand dunes. The result remains closely tied to the bay, beach, and exposed County Clare coastline.