Portstewart's Strand Course has been shaped by more than a century of links golf on Northern Ireland's north coast. Golf has been played here since 1894, with major work in the 1980s and the modern course completed by Des Giffin in 1992 from an original Willie Park design.
Set among huge dunes with sweeping Atlantic views towards Inishowen Head, it's a proper bucket-list stop and it sits comfortably alongside Royal Portrush and Royal County Down for pure scenery and challenge. Hosting the Irish Open in 2017 only underlines the point, this is Northern Irish championship links at its best.
On the course, the duneland does a lot of the talking. The opening drive from an elevated tee is one of the most memorable opening tee shots you'll find in Ireland, then the holes twist through natural sandy corridors with plenty of uneven lies and ever-changing wind. If you're driving it straight you'll have chances, but miss your line and you'll quickly be scrambling. Approaches need to be flighted and controlled into typically firm, quick greens, so it's a round where patience and imagination matter as much as power.
If you're planning a north coast golf break, Portstewart is an easy one to pair with Portrush and a great shout for groups who want a memorable links test.
Top tip:
Bring a lower-flying shot and commit to your line off the tee. The dunes make misses feel bigger than they are.
Who is this for?
Golfers building a Northern Ireland north coast itinerary who want dramatic dunes, a tour-proven layout and a genuine links experience.
Who is it best for?
Confident ball-strikers and groups who enjoy windy conditions, firm greens and a tough-but-fair walk, especially if you're pairing it with Royal Portrush.
