Header photo credit Strandhill GC
Strandhill Golf Club, tucked between the Atlantic Ocean and the foot of Knocknarea Mountain in County Sligo, is one of those rare Irish courses that captivates you from the first tee and doesn’t let go until you’re enjoying a post-round pint in the clubhouse. The experience of playing golf here is deeply rooted in the land — a dramatic, wind-swept terrain shaped by nature and polished by local hands.
Strandhill initially opened as a 9 hole course in 1931. It was extended to 18 holes in 1973 by legendary Irish course designed Eddie Hackett. Several Strandhill members also contributed to the course design. Strandhill thrives on character, challenge, and a breathtaking coastal setting that makes it an unforgettable stop on any Irish golf journey.
Stunning Views
View from the first tee
The first thing that strikes you on arrival is the setting. The views from the clubhouse are incredible — rolling dunes, endless sky, the shimmering Atlantic, and the brooding mass of Knocknarea, where, according to local legend, Queen Maeve is buried. There’s a raw, unfiltered beauty to the place that instantly tells you: this is links golf, Irish-style. It’s tough, it’s windy, it’s full of personality — and it’s going to be a lot of fun.
The Links
Strandhill is a par-70 layout measuring just under 6,200 yards from the back tees, but don’t let the yardage fool you. This is not a course you can overpower. It’s tight in places, with blind shots, undulating fairways, and small, sloping greens that demand both creativity and precision. Each hole feels distinct, shaped by the land rather than engineered onto it, and that natural feel is a big part of the club’s appeal.
We have chosen to feature holes 4, 6 and 7 on the front nine and holes 13, 15 and 17 on the back nine. As always, you might choose other holes as there are many to choose from.
View from behind the 4th green
The 4th hole is a lovely par 4 that plays longer than its 354 yards. The green sits about 40 feet above you making the second shot challenging. It’s a small target to hit and you will be short more often than not leaving an awkward chip up the bank. If you make a par on this hole you should be delighted.
Into the West
The tee shot on the 6th hole
The 6th is known as Into the West and its the second hardest hole on the course. It’s a dogleg right and plays 406 yards. Once you reach the corner the wind is right into your face, off the ocean. The second shot is slightly downhill. The challenge is to take enough club especially into the wind.
Your approach to the 6th green
The view beyond the green is spectacular. Don’t let the view make you lose focus. It’s a difficult shot and you must avoid the bunkers if you hope to make par. It’s not stroke index 2 for nothing. Take your par and run to the next tee.
By the Sea
The stunning 7th hole Photo credit Strandhill GC
The tee on the 7th hole is halfway up in the dunes in the background. That gives you a magnificent view down the hole and along the beach. The hole itself plays 381 yards and for us was a 3 wood to the fairway and an 8 iron to the green. We don’t know if this is considered the signature hole or not as there are a few contenders. But we think it’s a cracking hole.
A Unique Par 4?
The tee shot on the 13th hole
The 13th hole named The Valley, is one of those holes that are almost unique. It’s a 361 yard downhill par 4.There is fairway left but if you go on that line, you can’t see where the green is. The line off the tee is just left of the first building on the beach. For us it was a 3 wood over the marram grass. We pushed our tee shot slightly but finished on the fairway.
Our approach to the 13th green
This is the shot we were left with into the green on 13. That is what you call a narrow entrance into the green! The green is tiny, especially when you are hitting 8 iron into the wind. Our shot was on line but short in the bank. It wasn’t an easy third shot and we didn’t make a par…….
The difficult 15th hole Photo credit Strandhill GC
At only 337 yards, the 15th hole is stroke index 3, the third hardest hole on the course. The tee shot is tricky and tight. The hole sweeps right to left so staying on the fairway is a challenge. Your second shot is severely uphill to a plateau green. This makes club selection really difficult. we hit 5 wood off the tee then 7 iron up the hill to the green. Downwind the hole is straightforward. Into the wind or in a crosswind making par will be more down to luck than judgement.
In Our Opinion
What’s refreshing about Strandhill is that it never pretends to be something it’s not. It’s a course for golfers who appreciate the essence of links golf — the bounce and roll of the ball on firm turf. The need to flight the ball low, the constant adaptation to wind direction, and the joy of discovering a different line or strategy every time you play. It’s not overly penal, but you’ll earn every good score you make.
The course conditioning is excellent, especially considering its exposure to the Atlantic elements. Greens are true and fast, and the fairways are firm and tightly mown. There’s a strong sense of pride among the membership and staff, and it shows in the presentation and upkeep.
Beyond the course itself, Strandhill offers a warm welcome in the clubhouse, where the food is hearty, the Guinness is poured with care, and the views from the bar rival any in Irish golf. Locals are friendly, and there’s a sense that this is a place that values community as much as golf. If you have the time, a visit to the nearby seaweed baths or a climb up Knocknarea adds to the overall experience of visiting this part of Sligo.
Where to Stay
The Radisson Blu in Sligo
We staying just outside of Sligo at the Radisson Blu Hotel. The hotel location was a 15 minute drive to Strandhill Golf Club and less that 10 minutes from County Sligo Golf Club at Rosses Point. It’s a fantastic place to base yourself for golf in this area and it has all the amenities you would expect in a 4 star hotel.
Our Room
The room we were allocated was large. The bed was really comfortable and we appreciated the seating area which was perfect for relaxing or in my case, writing articles with a glass of wine.
Our roast beef and Yorkshire pudding
We ate in the bar both evenings. On the first night we both had the roast beef which was excellent. Roz, our waitress was very knowledgeable and friendly and suggested the roast beef to us. We were not disappointed.
The chicken caesar wrap
The Radisson Blu Club Sandwich with a side of soup
On the second evening we both opted for the less than healthy options. Both the chicken caesar wrap and the club sandwich were hearty and delicious. I also had a side of a small soup which hit the spot.
Breakfast each morning was a self service buffet so you could have as much or as little as you wanted. The tea and coffee were also self service so you could refill to your hearts content. The service and the staff in the Radisson Blu were friendly and helpful. We think this is the perfect hotel to stay in if you are in the Sligo area whether you are a golf group or with your family. There is a fitness centre and a pool so plenty for everyone.
And Finally…
While Strandhill might not always appear on the lists of top-tier Irish links, ask any golfer who’s played it and you’ll hear the same refrain: this course punches well above its weight. It’s adventurous, scenic, fun, and wholly authentic. For those seeking an unforgettable round that combines links golf tradition with natural Irish charm, Strandhill Golf Club is a must-play gem along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Thank you to Xavier Medas, the PGA Professional at Strandhill for arranging our visit. Thank you also to Paula Scallon and Fidelma O’Malley for arranging our stay at the Radisson Blu Hotel Sligo.
At a Glance
- 18 hole links course
- Challenging but playable
- Well stocked proshop
- Comfortable and inviting clubhouse with great views
- Friendly and welcoming staff
- Less than a 15 minute drive from Sligo
- Strandhill Golf Club website
- Radisson Blu Sligo website
Jim Callaghan CCM is a former Club Manager with experience overseeing several top Scottish Golf Clubs.
Now, as European Editor of Golf Operator Magazine and World’s Best Golf Destinations, he shares insights into club operations and his golfing adventures across Europe.
Jim is also an Ambassador for premium clothing brand Fenix Xcell Clothing and also for the Spanish local DMC, Costa Verde Golf.
If your club/resort or brand wants to reach over 400,000 golfers, contact Jim at [email protected] or call 0044 (0) 78522 88732.
Featured Post
0
