Portstewart golf club Derry
Portstewart Golf Course
Portstewart Golf Club was selected as the venue of the Irish Open Championship in 2017 held from July 6th to the 9th with the new date being closer to the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale and the Scottish Open at Dundonald it attract most of the world’s top golfers not least our own Rory McIlroy who was defending his title won at the K Club in 2016. Rory didn't make the cut and the Championship was won by the Jon Rahm with a record score of -24 to win by 6-shots and collect the cheque for €1,019,362.
The boast at Portstewart Golf Club is that it has "the finest opening hole in the game", where the tee shot is hit down into an amphitheatre between the sand dunes. At 427 yards off the blue tees the index 11 lets the golfer know he/she is on a golf course of note. Indeed Portstewart was used for the qualifying rounds of The Open in 1951 when it was played at Royal Portrush. It hosted the Irish Amateur Close Championship in 1960 when Shandon Park’s Michael Edwards lifted the title. The Close returned to Portstewart in 1992 when Kilkenny player Gary Murphy beat J. P. Fitzgerald by 2 and 1 in the final.
Portstewart Golf Club has 54 holes as a consequence of a decision by the members to acquire additional land, known as Thistly Hollow. This acquisition allowed for seven magnificent holes being woven into the Strand Course. The purchase of land in 1999 allowed the Riverside Course to become 18 holes. Along with the 18 hole Old Course, Portstewart Golf Club is the only Golf Club in Ireland to host 54 holes.
A classic links course, with elevated tees, rolling valleys, hogs-back contours and doglegs all combine to give a fascinating challenge of traditional golf. The second is 366 yards played from an elevated tee offering panoramic views of Portstewart strand, the holiday town and the River Bann.
Portstewart Golf Club has a long an illustrious history dating back to 1894. The magnificent clubhouse caters for the golfers every need and the visitor is assured of a warm welcome and a, memorable days golf on this true test of golf.
Portstewart's Strand Course was voted the No. 13-ranked golf course in Ireland, by “Irish Golfer” in 2023 (Same);
Portstewart's Strand Course was voted the No. 13-ranked golf course in Ireland, by “Irish Golfer” in 2022;
Portstewart's Strand Course was voted the No. 15-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2020 (Up-1);
Portstewart's Strand Course was voted the No. 16-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2019 (Down-1);
Portstewart's Strand Course was voted the No. 15-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2018 (Same);
Portstewart's Strand Course was voted the No. 15-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2017 (Up-1);
Portstewart's Strand Course was voted the No. 16-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2016 (Up-2);
Portstewart's Strand Course was voted the No. 18-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2015 (Down-1);
Portstewart's Strand Course was voted the No. 17-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2014 (Down-2);
Portstewart's Strand Course was voted the No. 15-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2013 (Up-2);
Portstewart's Strand Course was voted the No. 17-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2012;
Portstewart's Strand Course was voted the No. 17-Links/Shoreline Course in Ireland by "Backspin" Irelands leading Golf magazine in 2012, the panel comprised of a selection of 52 Professional and amateur golfers throughout Ireland;
Portstewart's Strand Course was voted the No. 20-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2010;
Portstewart's Strand Course was voted the No. 18-Links/Shoreline Course in Ireland by "Backspin" Irelands leading Golf magazine in 2010, the panel comprised of a selection of 52 Professional and amateur golfers throughout Ireland;
Portstewart's Strand Course was voted the No. 24-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2009;
Portstewart's Strand Course was voted the No. 18-Links/Shoreline Course in Ireland by "Backspin" Irelands leading Golf magazine in 2009, the panel comprised of a selection of 52 Professional and amateur golfers throughout Ireland;
Portstewart's Strand Course was voted the No. 23-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2008;
Portstewart's Strand Course was voted the No. 14-Links/Shoreline Course in Ireland by "Backspin" Irelands leading Golf magazine in 2008, the panel comprised of a selection of 52 Professional and amateur golfers throughout Ireland;
| Strand Links |
|
| Green Fees May to September: | £275 |
| Green Fees April to October: | £165 |
| Green Fees 36-hole May to September: | £335 |
| Green Fees 36-hole April to October: | £205 |
| Green Fees November to March: | £70 |
| Green Fees with a Member: | £30 |
| Green Fees for Opens: | Varied |
| Riverside Links: | |
| Green Fees Midweek: | £30 |
| Green Fees Weekends: | £35 |
| Old Course: |
|
| Green Fees Midweek: | £15 |
| Green Fees Weekends: | £20 |
| Practice Area: | Yes |
| Club Hire: £35 |
Yes |
| Buggy Hire: £40 |
Yes |
| Soft Spikes: | No |
| Caddies: £50 | Yes |
| Full Membership Waiting List: | Closed |
| Full Membership Fee: | £1,200 |
| Full Extended Intermediate Membership Fee: | £700 |
| Full Student Membership Fee: | £500 |
| Full Junior Membership Fee (15-18): | £260 |
| Full Junior Membership Fee (10-14): | £215 |
| Entrance Fee: | Varied |
| Course Type | Links |
| No Holes | 54 |
| Designer | Willie Park & Des Griffin |
| Founded | 1894 |
| Address | 117 Strand Road, |
| Telephone | 028-70-832015 |
| reception@portstewartgc.co.uk | |
| Website | Portstewart golf club website |
| General Manager: | David MacLaren |
|
General Enquiries & Marketing: |
Kirsty Murray-Whelan |
| Captain: | Stephen Macaulay |
| Lady Captain: | Agatha Mullan |
| Presidents': | Adie Wreath & Colette O'Kane |
| Vice-Captains': | Neil Morrison & Caroline McMullan |
| Hon. Secretary: | Stuart MacDonnell & Hazel Rankin |
| Club Pro: | Neil Graham 028-70-832601 |
| Hon. Treasurer: | Adrian McNeice & Heather McIlmail |
| Comp. Secretary: |
Neil Morrison & Mo Giffen |
Course Layout
Location Map
Lat:55.171944
Long:-6.725929
General Facts & Information
| Course opening hours: Daylight hours | Clubhouse opening hours: 12.00am-9.00pm April-Sept. |
| Mobile phones: Not on course |
Dress Code: Neat and casual, no denim |
| Catering: Full catering, facilities | Days to Avoid: Sundays & Bank Holidays |
| Green Fees and Societies Welcome: Other days | Pre-booking for open Tournaments:14 Days in advance |
Portstewart Golf Club Fixtures 2024 provisional*
| Open & Major Fixtures 2023 (to be Confirmed) | ||||
| Event | Start | Finish | Type | Duration |
| Lady Captain's Prize | Saturday 27 May | Closed | 1 | |
| Captain's Prize | Saturday 24 June | Closed | 1 | |
| Lady President's Prize | Wednesday 19 July | Closed | 1 | |
| President's Prize | Saturday 12 August | Closed | 1 | |
| Seniors Singles Stableford | Tuesday 17 January | Open | 1 | |
| Seniors Singles Stableford | Tuesday 14 February | Open | 1 | |
| Seniors Singles Stableford | Tuesday 14 March | Open | 1 | |
| Ladies 3-Ball Scramble |
Monday 10 April | Open | 1 | |
| Seniors Singles Stableford | Tuesday 11 April | Open | 1 | |
| Ladies Singles Stableford | Monday 22 May | Open | 1 | |
| Ladies Singles Stableford | Monday 12 June | Open | 1 | |
| Ladies Charity Team Event | Wednesday 21 June | Open | 1 | |
| Senior Scratch Cup (36-hole) | Sunday 25 June | Open | 1 | |
| Junior Scratch Cup (36-hole) | Sunday 25 June | Open | 1 | |
| Ladies Lafone Cup Singles Stableford | Monday 26 June | Open | 1 | |
| Trolan Golf Classic | Thursday 6 July | Open | 1 | |
| Ulster AIG Men's & Women's Senior Cup Area Finals | Sunday 9 July | G.I. | 1 | |
| Singles Stableford | Thursday 20 July | Open |
1 |
|
| Ladies Singles Stableford | Monday 24 July | Open | 1 | |
| Ladies Singles Stableford | Wednesday 20 September | Open | 1 | |
| Ladies 4-Ball Scramble | Friday 13 October | Open | 1 | |
| The Great North Links Challenge | Wednesday 18 October | Friday 20 October |
Open | 3 |
| The Great North Links Challenge | Thursday 19 October | Open | 1 | |
| The Great North Links Challenge | Friday 20 October | Open | 1 |
Card of the Course
| Key | Data |
| White | Par 72 SSS 71 6,626 yd's |
| Red | Par 73 SSS 73 5,867 yd's |
| Blue | Par 72 SSS 73 7,104 yd's |
Card
| Hole Name | Hole No. | Blue | White | Par | Index | Red | Par | Index |
| Tuber Patrick | 1 | 427 | 417 | 4 | 11 | 400 | 4 | 7 |
| Devil's Hill | 2 | 366 | 360 | 4 | 7 | 347 | 4 | 1 |
| The Settlement | 3 | 218 | 205 | 3 | 13 | 166 | 3 | 17 |
| Thirsty Hollow | 4 | 583 | 522 | 5 | 5 | 442 | 5 | 9 |
| Rifle Range | 5 | 461 | 449 | 4 | 1 | 334 | 4 | 3 |
| Five Penny Piece | 6 | 143 | 135 | 3 | 17 | 110 | 3 | 13 |
| Strawberry Hill | 7 | 516 | 475 | 5 | 15 | 423 | 5 | 11 |
| Portnahapple | 8 | 445 | 411 | 4 | 3 | 357 | 4 | 5 |
| Larkhill | 9 | 378 | 350 | 4 | 9 | 268 | 4 | 15 |
| Out | 3,537 | 3,324 | 36 | 2,847 | 36 | |||
| Fisherman's Walk | 10 | 413 | 396 | 4 | 10 | 370 | 4 | 2 |
| Fernside | 11 | 407 | 376 | 4 | 4 | 312 | 4 | 14 |
| Barmouth | 12 | 167 | 154 | 3 | 18 | 140 | 3 | 18 |
| Cashlandoo | 13 | 555 | 487 | 5 | 16 | 469 | 5 | 6 |
| The Hill | 14 | 522 |
489 | 5 | 12 | 458 | 5 | 16 |
| Articlave | 15 | 168 | 159 | 3 | 14 | 118 | 3 | 16 |
| The Plateau | 16 | 418 | 389 | 4 | 6 | 363 | 4 | 4 |
| Agherton | 17 | 436 | 428 | 4 | 2 | 419 | 5 | 12 |
| Strand Head | 18 | 471 | 424 | 4 | 8 | 371 | 4 | 10 |
| In | 3,567 | 3,302 | 36 | 3,020 | 37 | |||
| Total | 7,104 | 6,626 | 72 | 5,867 | 73 | |||
| SSS | 73 | 71 | 73 |
Notable rounds
Men's Course Record Am: 67 D. Ballentine & M. Kilgore
Ladies Course Record
Members Achievements
Congratulatulations to Paul Cutler, who together with Gareth Shaw (Lurgan Golf Club), Niall Kearney (The Royal Dublin Golf Club), Jonathan Caldwell (Clandeboye Golf Club), Shane Lowry (Esker Hills Golf Club) retained the European Amateur Team Championship at Turin Heat on Saturday 5th July 2008, when they beat England in the final by 4½-matches to 2½-matches.
Portstewart Golf Club where Runners-Up in the All-Ireland Junior Cup at Shannon Golf Club on Friday 17th September 2004, having beaten Connacht Champions Galway the previous day. They lost out to Lucan Golf Club by 4 matches to 1 match.
Paul Cutler was selected to represent Ireland in the European Amateur Team Championship at Osterakers Golf Club in Stockholm, Sweden on Tuesday 6th to Saturday 10th July 2010. The others on the team were Cian Curley Newlands G. C., Alan Dunbar Rathmore G. C., Paul Dunne Greystones G. C., Dara Lernihan Castle G. C. and Pat Murray Limerick G. C., they were captained by Kevin Flanagan.
Maura Diamond was selected on the Ulster Girls' team for the Smurfit Interprovincial Championship at Enniscrone Golf Club from the 18th to the 20th of April 2001.
Prior to 2001:
Portstewart Golf Club won the All-IrelandIrish Junior Cup at Lahinch G. C. in 1973.
Members who played representative golf for Country or Province;
D. W. Ballentine represented Ireland at international Youths level in 1981 playing 3-matches, won 2-matches and halved 1-match accumulating 5-points. He represented Ulster in the Senior Interprovincial’s from 1985 to 1988 playing 34-times won 18-matches halved one and lost 15-matches accumulating 37-points;
Paul Cutler represented Ireland as a Senior International from 2007 to 2010 playing 36-times won 23-matches halved three and lost 10-matches accumulating 49-points. He represented Ireland at international Youths level from 2007 to 2008 playing 4-matches, won 2-matches and lost 2-matches accumulating 4-points. He represented Ireland at Irish Boys level from 2006 to 2007 playing 18-times won 11-matches halved four and lost 3-matches accumulating 26-points. He represented Ulster in the Senior Interprovincial’s from 2007 to 2010 playing 24-times won 12-matches halved four and lost 8-matches accumulating 28-points. He represented Ulster at the Boys Interprovincial Championships from 2006 to 2007 playing 12-times won 9-matches and lost 3-matches accumulating 18-points;
D. Ballentine represented Ulster in the Senior Interprovincial’s in 1991 playing 5-times won 3-matches halved one and lost 1-match accumulating 7-points;
Aaron Lundy represented Ulster at the Boys Interprovincial Championships in 1996 playing 6-times won 3-matches halved two and lost 1-match accumulating 8-points;
M. Diamond was selected on the ILGU Junior squad in November 2000;
Patricia Madill played for the Irish Girls' in 1971 and 1972;
Maureen Madill played for the Irish Girls' in 1972 and 1973. She won the Stroke Play Foursomes together with Miss Mary Gorry of Blessington in 1980;
History of Portstewart
Instituted 1894 affiliated 1895
The Coleraine Chronicle on 4th May, 1895, records "On the motion of Mr. Lyle, seconded by Mr. O’Neill, the chair was taken by Mr. Montagu, J. P., who briefly explained the steps which had been taken for the organisation of the club since its origination in September last and the terms upon which the grounds for the links had been leased. The club has, he said, been formed principally for the benefit of Portstewart and the success, which had already been attained, was most gratifying, the membership being about 130. The business of that meeting was the election of officers and the adoption of rules and bye-laws. The Annual General Meeting would be held each September"
The first Captain was Mr. R. A. C. Montagu, with Mr. Marcus Greg J. P. as Hon. Secretary and Mr. George Wilson as the Hon. Treasurer.
The original course was a nine-hole and in 1907 a separate eighteen-hole course was laid out near the town. The club has 54 holes now.
Roll of Honour
| Member | Year | Hon. Position |
| M. McAllister | 1990 | Ladies Captain |
| D. Wreath | 1990 | Mens Captain |
| H. E. Doherty | 1990 | President |
| D. E. Shackleton | 1991 | Ladies Captain |
| Dr. B. Garrett | 1991 | Mens Captain |
| H. E. Doherty | 1991 | President |
| J. A. McHugh | 1992 | Ladies Captain |
| A. McAuley | 1992 | Mens Captain |
| H. E. Doherty | 1992 | President |
| B. McKenna | 1993 | Ladies Captain |
| Dr. J. A. McHugh | 1993 | Mens Captain |
| R. J. Smyth | 1993 | President |
| D. McCorduck | 1994 | Ladies Captain |
| J. McGrotty | 1994 | Mens Captain |
| R. J. Smyth | 1994 | President |
| W. Balmer | 1995 | Ladies Captain |
| E. O'Kane | 1995 | Mens Captain |
| R. J. Smyth | 1995 | President |
| K. McCarron | 1996 | Ladies Captain |
| N. Baldmer | 1996 | Mens Captain |
| T. A. D. Martin | 1996 | President |
| I. Hall | 1997 | Ladies Captain |
| J. P. Donaghy | 1997 | Mens Captain |
| T. A. D. Martin | 1997 | President |
| M. Travers | 1998 | Ladies Captain |
| C. J. Miller | 1998 | Mens Captain |
| E. Devenney | 1998 | President |
| M. Moffett | 1999 | Ladies Captain |
| Des Smith | 1999 | Mens Captain |
| E. Devenney | 1999 | President |
| H. Johnston | 2000 | Ladies Captain |
| Alistair Glenn | 2000 | Mens Captain |
| G. S. Meldrum | 2000 | President |
| L. McFillis | 2001 | Ladies Captain |
| Shaun McCafferty | 2001 | Mens Captain |
| G. S. Meldrum | 2001 | President |
| Anne Paul | 2002 | Ladies Captain |
| David Avery | 2002 | Mens Captain |
| P. J. Donnelly | 2002 | President |
| T. J. Duffy | 2003 | Ladies Captain |
| Adrian Wreath | 2003 | Mens Captain |
| P. J. Donnelly | 2003 | President |
| Clara Crozier | 2004 | Ladies Captain |
| Richard Small | 2004 | Mens Captain |
| Des Griffin | 2004 | President |
| Noleen Donnolly | 2005 | Ladies Captain |
| Ann Bingham | 2005 | Ladies President |
| Paddy McLoughlin | 2005 | Mens Captain |
| Des Griffin | 2005 | President |
| Marie Lynch | 2006 | Ladies Captain |
| Isabel Hall | 2006 | Ladies President |
| Brian Fillis | 2006 | Mens Captain |
| Colm Diamond | 2006 | President |
| Sadie De Largy | 2007 | Ladies Captain |
| Ann Bingham | 2007 | Ladies President |
| Mark Scott | 2007 | Mens Captain |
| Des Giffin | 2007 | President |
| Jean Robinson | 2008 | Ladies Captain |
| Briege McKenna | 2008 | Ladies President |
| Ivan McDonald | 2008 | Mens Captain |
| Des Giffin | 2008 | President |
| Celine Harley | 2009 | Ladies Captain |
| Briege McKenna | 2009 | Ladies President |
| Patsy Trolan | 2009 | Mens Captain |
| Des Wreath | 2009 | President |
| Christine Hutchinson | 2010 | Ladies Captain |
| Kae McCarron | 2010 | Ladies President |
| Derek Agnew | 2010 | Mens Captain |
| Bertie McAuley | 2010 | President |
| Susan Kelly | 2011 | Ladies Captain |
| Kae McCarron | 2011 | Ladies President |
| Adrian McNeice | 2011 | Mens Captain |
| Bertie McAuley | 2011 | President |
| Mary Glover | 2012 | Ladies Captain |
| Mary Johnston | 2012 | Ladies President |
| John Beadon | 2012 | Mens Captain |
| J. A. Hugh | 2012 | President |
| Mo Griffin | 2013 | Ladies Captain |
| Mary Johnston |
2013 | Ladies President |
| Malclom Glover | 2013 | Mens Captain |
| J. A. Hugh |
2013 | President |
| Rosie Millar | 2014 | Ladies Captain |
| Louie Fillis | 2014 | Ladies President |
| Mark Windebank | 2014 | Mens Captain |
| Jimmy McGrotty | 2014 | President |
| Sheila Aicken | 2015 | Ladies Captain |
| Louie Fillis | 2015 | Ladies President |
| A. Taggart | 2015 | Mens Captain |
| J. Donaghy | 2015 | President |
| Irene Murray | 2016 | Ladies Captain |
| Anne Paul |
2016 | Ladies President |
| G. Hassan | 2016 | Mens Captain |
| J. Donaghy | 2016 | President |
| Julie Corbett |
2017 | Ladies Captain |
| Anne Paul | 2017 | Ladies President |
| Paul Hewitt |
2017 | Mens Captain |
| Geoffrey Millar |
2017 | President |
| Pamela Logue MBE | 2018 | Ladies Captain |
| Marie Lynch | 2018 | Ladies President |
| Dominic McHugh | 2018 | Mens Captain |
| Geoffrey Millar | 2018 | President |
| Pauline Agnew | 2019 | Ladies Captain |
| Marie Lynch | 2019 | Ladies President |
| Leo Diamond | 2019 | Mens Captain |
| Alastair Glenn | 2019 | President |
| Doreen Fleming | 2020 | Ladies Captain |
| Celine Harley | 2020 | Ladies President |
| David Ferguson | 2020 | Mens Captain |
| Shaun McCafferty | 2020 | President |
| Doreen Fleming | 2021 | Ladies Captain |
| Celine Harley | 2021 | Ladies President |
| David Ferguson | 2021 | Mens Captain |
| Shaun McCafferty | 2021 | President |
| Hazel Browne | 2022 | Ladies Captain |
| Sylvia Shaw | 2022 | Ladies President |
| David Lamont | 2022 | Mens Captain |
| David Avery | 2022 | President |
| Agatha Mullan | 2023 | Ladies Captain |
| Colette O'Kane | 2023 | Ladies President |
| Stephen Macaulay | 2023 | Mens Captain |
| Adie Wreath | 2023 | President |
| Lesley Hemphill | 2023 | Lowest Ladie's H'cap |
| Mark Hamphill | 2023 | Lowest Men's H'cap |
| Mark Kilgore | 2023 | Lowest Men's H'cap |
| Stephen Garrett | 2023 | Lowest Men's H'cap |
Holes in One at Portstewart
| Member | Date | Hole No. | Club Used | Distance |
| Rosie King | 3 August 2012 | 12th | 7-Wood | 140 yd's |
| Thelma Smith | 25 November 2012 | 12th | Driver | 140 yd's |
| Laureen Greenlees | 23 April 2014 |
5th | Driver |
119 yd's |
| Irene Murray | 23 March 2022 | |||
| Norman Grills | 16 June 2022 | |||
| Corinna O’Neill | March 2023 |
