The Lahinch Old Course is frequently referred to as the "St Andrews of Ireland", thanks to all its mood swings influenced by the ever-changing Atlantic. Initially laid out in 1892 by Alexander Shaw, Lahinch has worked with some of the games outstanding designers from its inception through to modern times, while continuing to retain its original character. In 1894, Old Tom Morris was commissioned to make full use of the natural links terrain, especially the giant sand dunes at Lahinch. Two of Morris’s original holes, the 4th (Klondyke) and 5th (Dell) remain untouched till date and continue to be the most memorable talking points for first time visitors. 

 

With a touch up by Charles ‘Mo’ Gibson in 1907, Dr. Alister MacKenzie redesigned the course in 1927, before exclaiming “Lahinch will make the finest and most popular golf course that I, or I believe anyone else, ever constructed." Over time, ravages of erosion and some ill-devised alterations started to plague the course. 1999-2003 saw Dr. Martin Hawtree brilliantly modernizing the Old Course that American touring professionals like Mickelson, Faxon, and Davis Love III now use to tune up for the British Open. There is no dull moment on this outstanding course that is consistently ranked among the world’s Top 50 greatest links layouts.