Overview
Rathmore Golf Club sits on the dramatic Causeway Coast just outside Portrush, tucked into a natural valley that frames the East Strand sand dunes to the north and the championship Dunluce Links to the south. The Valley Links, a 6,304‑yard, par‑70 layout with a Standard Scratch Score of 71, is maintained to a very high standard by the neighbouring Royal Portrush Golf Club. Its undulating terrain, well‑placed bunkers and sweeping sea‑breezed fairways make it a quintessential Irish links experience, suitable for both seasoned competitors and enthusiastic visitors.
The club offers a full‑service restaurant, licensed bar, practice putting green, free Wi‑Fi in the clubhouse, a defibrillator on site, and essential visitor facilities such as toilets and tuition services. A modest on‑site shop sells the club’s own history book, The Privileged Players – The Story of Rathmore Golf Club…so far, for £5, offering a deeper glimpse into the club’s origins.
History
Golf has been played on the Rathmore site long before the club acquired its present name. The first official reference to “Rathmore Golf Club” appears in the Royal Portrush Council minutes of October 1947, when the club sought affiliation with the Golfing Union of Ireland. Ratification followed a month later, cementing Rathmore’s formal establishment. By 1953 a purpose‑built clubhouse, opened by Lady Babington, provided a social hub for members, and successive extensions have kept pace with growing membership.
The Valley Links was laid out by the renowned architect Harry Colt, a few years after his work on the nearby Dunluce Links. Colt’s design philosophy—emphasising natural landforms and strategic challenge—shines through the course’s humps, hollows and undulating fairways. Over the decades, Rathmore has nurtured talent; it is the home club of Graeme McDowell, the 2010 U.S. Open champion, whose early successes were forged on these very links. An Irish Times feature notes that McDowell still returns to Rathmore for practice rounds and social gatherings, keeping a strong link between the club and his major‑winning career.
Course Details
| Tee colour | Length (yd) | Par | Standard Scratch Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 6,107 | 68 | 69 |
| Red (Championship) | 5,687 | 70 | 71 |
| Blue | 6,346 | 70 | 71 |
Men’s course record: 63, set by Ro McCrudden on 19 October 2021.
The layout offers three distinct tee options, allowing players of varying ability to enjoy the natural dunes, deep bunkers and panoramic Atlantic views. Soft‑spike shoes are mandatory, and denim is prohibited on the course.
Club Management & Contact
- Secretary: Stan Short – 028 7082 2996 – info@rathmoregolfclub.co.uk
- Club Manager: Victoria Moorhead – 028 7082 231
- Captain: Ian Kettyle
- President: Geoffrey Magee
- Club Pro: No resident professional; lessons are provided by the team at Royal Portrush Golf Club (Gary McNeill PGA, Charlene Reid, etc.)
For tee‑time bookings, enquiries or membership questions, use the phone numbers above or the club’s website www.rathmoregolfclub.co.uk.
Course Architecture & Design
Harry S. Colt (1869‑1951) is celebrated for shaping many of the world’s classic links courses. At Rathmore he applied the same respect for natural topography that characterises his work at Royal Portrush’s Dunluce and Valley courses. The Valley Links is effectively the “second” course of Royal Portrush, sharing the same maintenance crew and green‑keeping standards. Notable design features include:
- The 6th hole – a tribute to Colt himself, often cited as a strategic turning point where the fairway narrows between dunes.
- Bunkers Hill (hole 15) – a deep, steep‑walled bunker that tests precision iron play.
- Giant’s Elbow (hole 14) – offers sweeping Atlantic views and a demanding approach shot.
These elements combine to give the course a reputation for rewarding thoughtful shot‑making while penalising wayward drives.
Events & Tournaments
Rathmore hosts a range of amateur competitions throughout the summer, many organised in partnership with Royal Portrush Golf Club. The 2026 provisional fixture list includes:
- Ladies Captain’s Prize – Saturday 6 June (closed)
- Juvenile Captain’s Prize – Friday 10 July (closed)
- G‑Mac Trophy Valley – Sunday 26 July (closed)
- President’s Prize – Sunday 2 August (closed)
- Singles Stableford – various dates in May, June and July (open)
- Ladies King Fergus Cup – Sunday 27 July (open)
- Senior Scratch Cup – Sunday 2 August (open)
Open tournaments generally require tee‑time bookings at least 14 days in advance. Check the latest schedule on the club’s website or contact the booking office.
Community & Charity
Rathmore Golf Club is active in local charitable work. In April 2026, past captain Ian Kettyle presented a £2,016.67 cheque to Causeway Coast Dog Rescue, a regional animal‑welfare charity, with his dog Teddy by his side. The donation highlights the club’s commitment to supporting community initiatives beyond sport.
Practical Information
Bookings & Contact
All tee‑time bookings for Rathmore (The Valley) are processed by Royal Portrush Golf Club. To arrange a round, call Royal Portrush at 028 7082 231 or use the online booking portal linked from the Rathmore website. Pre‑booking is advisable during the peak summer months and for open‑tournament days.
Green Fees
| Season | Green Fee (per player) |
|---|---|
| 1 May – 30 Sept | £120 |
| 1 Jan – 30 Mar | £40 |
| 1 Nov – 31 Dec | £40 |
| With a member | £15 |
| Open tournaments | £20 |
Fees are payable on the day of play and must be booked through Royal Portrush Golf Club (RPGC).
Opening Hours
| Facility | Hours |
|---|---|
| Course | Daylight hours |
| Clubhouse | Approx. 08:00‑18:00 in summer (check for seasonal variation) |
Facilities & Services
- 18‑hole links course (three tee colours)
- Practice putting green
- Licensed restaurant and bar (local dishes and drinks)
- Free Wi‑Fi in the clubhouse
- Defibrillator on site
- Accessible toilets (contact club for assistance)
- No buggy or cart hire; soft‑spike shoes are required
- Golf lessons available through Royal Portrush professionals (Gary McNeill PGA, Charlene Reid, etc.)
- Pro shop located at Royal Portrush Golf Club (caddy hire also available via RPGC)
Dress Code & Etiquette
A neat, casual dress code is enforced; denim is not permitted on the course. Soft‑spike shoes must be worn at all times.
Accessibility
Standard accessible toilets are available. The club does not list dedicated wheelchair routes; visitors needing assistance should contact the club directly.
Parking
Free on‑site parking is provided, but spaces are limited during tournament weeks. Arriving early is recommended, especially in summer.
Nearby Attractions
Rathmore’s coastal location makes it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding Causeway Coast. Within a short walk you’ll find the East Strand beach, the historic Dunluce Castle, and the bustling town of Portrush with its shops, pubs and the famous Royal Portrush Golf Club. The wider region is part of the Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Nearby Golf Courses
- Royal Portrush Golf Club – just 0.3 km away; home of the world‑renowned Valley and Dunluce courses.
- Ballyreagh Golf Club – approximately 1.4 miles north, another links‑style venue on the Causeway Coast.
- Benone Golf Club – 9 miles east, offering a mix of links and parkland holes.
- Bushfoot Golf Club – 4.5 miles west, a smaller but challenging links course.
These neighbouring courses provide additional playing options for a day‑trip golf tour of the Antrim coastline.
Nearby Accommodation
For visitors looking to stay overnight, the 4‑star Bushmills Inn (≈ 7 km) offers comfortable rooms and on‑site dining. Several B&Bs and guesthouses are also available in Portrush and the surrounding villages.
Getting There
The club is located on Bushmills Road, Portrush (BT56 8JG). It is easily reachable by car from the A2 coastal route; free parking is available on the club grounds. Public transport options include regular bus services to Portrush, followed by a brief taxi ride to the clubhouse.