Portmarnock -- how good is it?

[Matt_Ward]

One of the courses I was most interested in seeing while in Ireland was Portmarnock -- a many time site of the Irish Open.

I don't have too much time right now to go into details but a few things stand out.

1). The course is a straight forward layout that doesn't have to rely on gimmicks -- you get what you deserve in nearly all situations that I saw while there.

2). Since the course has a limited number of par-3 holes I have to say that only the 12th was really superb in my mind. The green on this hole is simply awesome stuff and when the pin is placed in the rear right you must have a Nicklaus like iron approach to sit quietly near the hole. I also think the front pin location is equally as demanding because of the false front that's there. The renown 15th hole is well done but I think more of the hoopla is based on Palmer's shot from years ago. I don't doubt it's a fine hole -- but it's not at the level I heard from others prior to playing there. I also liked the short par-3 7th but it didn't have any extra appeal to me.

Keep in mind that the 7th and 15th both follow in the same direction which also diminishes their appeal to me.

3). The course has only three par-5's and only the long 6th hole is really unique. The 13th and 16th holes are good but they follow the same directional line and are basically equal in terms of their design merits -- both in length and configuration.

4). The finishing hole is a letdown of immense proportions. Yes, I am well aware of the long par-4 17th but the 18th at Portmarnock is could have just a bit more sizzle in my book.

Overall, Portmarnock is a solid test of golf and a very, very fair course.

P.S. Unfortunately, I didn't have the time but quite a few others mentioned to me that I should play The Island course in Malahide. Time was not there this time but maybe others who have played it can offer their take.

[Paul_Turner]

Matt

The 18th is one of the best links finishing holes.  Super green complex.  Perhaps you didn't like a medium 4 to finish?

[mike_malone]

 When i watched the Irish  Open this year,the players had much more problems on 12 than 15.It may have been the wind direction.So much depends on the wind.When i put a trip together a few years ago,i tried to play the three biggies(RPR,RCD,and Ballybunion,2x each on different days to get this opportunity)
     As for 15 i do not know what would be worse--wind from the right that pushes you into the high grass or wind from the left that pushes you onto the beach.
   Wind at your back or into you can be dealt with.

[Tiger_Bernhardt]

I find this course to be the best of the rest, meaning after RCD, Portrush and Ballybunion comes this most solid of courses.

[ddavid426]

Absolutely agree with Tiger.  Fabulous course and great membership.  I found them to be the most friendly and open to outsiders.  I wish we would have played 4 rounds there instead of the Links, European Club and Royal Dublin.

[ForkaB]

D_T

Anybody who posts anonymously has the ego of a gerbil.

I disagree with Matt on 18 Portmarnock and other matters, but I very much respect his willingness to express his ideas on this site under his own name.  Try it sometime--you might like it!

[George Pazin]

Woo hoo, get to agree with Rich again - been a while.

We need more people sharing their thoughts & experiences & fewer posters critiquing other posters. Disagreement makes for good discussion.

[GeoffreyC]

Donald Trump or whomever you are.  Have you read the introduction to this site?

In it Ran begins

"GolfClubAtlas.com is presented to promote the frank commentary on the world's finest golf courses. Within this site, the subject of golf course architecture is discussed in several different sections, including:"

the discussion group

"•   a free access Discussion Group. Please register and share your opinions by posting under your own name but remember: this is an architecture centric web site with non-architecture posts deleted."

and he ends with

"While golf course architecture is a subjective art form, several key tenets have stood the test of time. These are explored in an effort to understand why some courses are more fascinating than others, and to understand why such courses continually beckon for a return game.
 
Hope you enjoy GolfClubAtlas.com.

Happy golfing,

Ran Morrissett"

Please if you would post your definitive views on your favorite golf courses and golf course architecture so we can tote it around like the bible.  It would save all of us an enormous amount of time reading this board every day.

[kmak]

I played Portmarnock for the first time last week, in a fairly stiff wind.  In response to a few of the above comments:

I would have loved to play 15 in any wind but the one I did, down wind.  Cross winds or wind in the face could be dealt with; down wind required landing the ball well short of the green to have any hope of holding the surface, but the hazards short of the green (large patches of rough, bunkers) were completely hidden from the tee, making it a very difficult hole.

I found number 18 to be a fantastic finishing hole, particularly playing into the wind.  The ridge crossing the fairway in the landing area created a solid division between a good drive (over the ridge) and a mediocre drive (short of the ridge); the approach shot was very challenging and the green complex incredible.

In general, although not as visually stunning as some of the other courses on the trip (RCD, Royal Portrush, Ballybunion, etc.), I found Portmarnock to be a very stern test with a very consistent atmosphere.  

[Jack_Marr]

I think Portmarnock is a course that has to be played many times to be fully appriciated. The Euorpean tour players loved it when they played here during the summer.

[ClarkW]

I agree that Portmarnock is not nearly as dramatic and stunning as some of the other "biggies" in Ireland that you might visit. However it is still a very strong course with one classic hole after another. No real surprises with just a couple of blind or semi-blind shots to contend with during the round. More of a classic low-key natural beauty throughout the course. The greens seem to be the fastest and most consistent of the courses that I've played in Ireland. Not alot of "wow factor" (e.g. County Down #9 or Ballybunion #11) but rather a continuous stream of good holes in my opinion.

[Forrest Richardson]

Take away the intruding 9-holes which interrupt the original 9 and the second 9...and, well, you've got a nice links golf course. But with the awful intertwined holes of the third nine it's a free-for-all and only has some limited wonder. I give it an 11 on my 1-18 scale. By Hole 11 I could have walked in and had some soup. And perhaps, weather permitting, I'd have ventured out to see a few more holes at my leisure.

[David_Tepper]

I have played Portmarnock. I have not played Muirfield. From reading comments about both courses posted on this site over the past days and months, it sounds like the two courses have very similar characteristics: straighforward, no-nonsense golf with few blind shots or quirks, played over  modest terrain with little elevation change. Neither course  seems to generate a great deal of "drama." I can see why the tour pros like both courses - as fair tests with not too much left to chance. If you play well, you will score well.

Of course, the above reasons are the same reasons why a number of GCA members don't get too excited about either course!