Perched on the spectacular promontory of Rosses Point, where the Atlantic crashes against Ireland's wild west coast, County Sligo Golf Club has been testing golfers since 1894. This is links golf in its purest form, shaped by earth, wind and water, with the town of Sligo just a short drive inland.
The course's nickname, The Wild Atlantic Links, is well earned. When Harry S. Colt arrived in 1927, fresh from designing Wentworth, Sunningdale and Royal Portrush, he worked with what nature had already given him and produced a proper championship test. It has hosted the West of Ireland Championship time and again, and it still asks the same questions today as it did decades ago.
From the back tees it now stretches to 7,259 yards, but it rarely plays as a simple "hit it miles" track. Pick the right line off the tee, keep the ball below the wind when you need to and trust the bounce on firm fairways. Miss the wrong side and you'll be scrambling from tight lies and well-placed bunkers. If you're building a North West itinerary, this is an easy one to base around, with great pubs and restaurants in Sligo after the round.
Who is this for? Golfers who want classic Irish links golf with proper championship history, without straying too far from a good night out in Sligo.
Who is it best for? Confident mid to low handicappers, society groups and anyone building a North West itinerary who'd rather win with strategy than brute force.
