Overview
Rathmore Golf Club occupies a dramatic natural valley on the Causeway Coast, just outside Portrush in County Antrim. Known locally as the Valley Links, this 6,304-yard, par-70 course sits perfectly framed by the sweeping sand dunes of the East Strand to the north and the championship Dunluce Links to the south. Maintained to championship standards by the neighbouring Royal Portrush Golf Club, the course delivers a genuine Irish links experience. The layout rewards strategic thinking with its undulating fairways, deep pot bunkers, and constant Atlantic crosswinds, making it a compelling round for visiting golfers and local enthusiasts alike.
A Club Soaked in History
Long before Rathmore acquired its official name, locals from the Ramore harbour district played the links as “Privileged Players” – town residents granted access to the coastal fairways by Royal Portrush. The first formal record of Rathmore Golf Club appears in the Royal Portrush Council minutes of October 1947, when the club applied for affiliation to the Golfing Union of Ireland. Ratification followed a month later, cementing its independent status. A purpose-built clubhouse opened in 1953, inaugurated by Lady Babington, and has since been extended to accommodate a growing membership.
The club’s modern identity is closely tied to Graeme McDowell, who honed his game on these fairways before capturing the 2010 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. McDowell still returns to Rathmore for practice rounds and club gatherings, maintaining a strong link between the course and major championship pedigree. Visitors interested in the club’s origins can purchase The Privileged Players – The Story of Rathmore Golf Club…so far (£5) at the clubhouse pro shop.
The Course & Design
The Valley Links was laid out by legendary architect Harry Colt roughly three years after he completed the adjacent Dunluce course. True to Colt’s philosophy, the design works with the natural topography rather than against it. Despite the “Valley” name, the course is far from flat. Players navigate a series of humps, hollows, and severe undulations that demand precise club selection and careful positioning.
Three tee colours cater to different handicaps, with a Standard Scratch Score of 71. Notable holes include the 6th, a strategic narrowing between dunes that bears Colt’s signature touch, and the 14th (Giant’s Elbow), which offers sweeping Atlantic vistas alongside a demanding approach. The 15th features Bunkers Hill, a steep-walled trap that tests iron play. The men’s course record stands at 63, set by Ro McCrudden in October 2021.
Booking Your Round & Green Fees
All tee-time bookings for Rathmore are processed centrally through Royal Portrush Golf Club. Visitors should call 028 7082 2311 or use the online portal linked from the club’s website. Pre-booking is strongly recommended, especially during the summer season and for open tournament days, which require reservations at least 14 days in advance. The club advises avoiding Sundays and Bank Holidays for visitor play.
Green fees vary by season and must be paid on the day of play:
- 1 May – 30 Sept: £200–£220 per player (standard visitor rates for the Valley Links apply)
- 1 Jan – 30 Mar & 1 Nov – 31 Dec: £40 per player
- Playing with a member: £15
- Open tournaments: £20
Note: Fees are subject to change. Always verify current rates when booking.
Facilities & Etiquette
Rathmore provides a full-service licensed restaurant and bar, serving local dishes and drinks after your round. A practice putting green is available for warm-ups, and golf tuition can be arranged through the Royal Portrush professional team. The clubhouse features free Wi-Fi, accessible toilets, and a defibrillator on site.
Motorised buggies and club hire are not available on site, preserving the traditional links walking experience. Soft-spike shoes are mandatory on the course. The dress code is neat and casual; denim is strictly prohibited. Mobile phones should be switched off or silenced while playing.
Free on-site parking is provided, though spaces fill quickly during tournament weeks and peak summer months. Arriving early ensures a stress-free start to your round.
Exploring the Causeway Coast
Rathmore’s coastal setting makes it an ideal base for exploring the wider Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The golden sands of the East Strand are a short walk from the clubhouse, offering excellent conditions for walking and coastal photography. To the south, the dramatic cliff-top ruins of Dunluce Castle provide a striking historical backdrop, while the vibrant town of Portrush offers a selection of pubs, independent shops, and dining options.
For golfers looking to extend their trip, the nearby Ballyreagh, Bushfoot, and Benone courses offer additional links-style challenges within a short drive. Rathmore Golf Club remains a firm favourite for those seeking a well-maintained, historically rich round without the premium price tag of a championship opener. Book your tee time through Royal Portrush, arrive prepared for the Atlantic breeze, and enjoy one of Northern Ireland’s most authentic links experiences.