Portstewart Golf Club is situated in the far north of Northern Ireland it enjoys a tranquil and serene along the magnificent Causeway coastline. The club dates back to 1894 so has a long legacy, in 1990 it underwent major reconstruction.
Portstewart Golf Club has three courses here The Old, The Strand and The Riverside, all with superb features and benefits. The only championship course here is the Strand, it was designed by a local school teacher and it is completed to the highest specifications and opened in 1992. This natural and traditional links course is a par 72, measuring 6,605 yards from the back tees.The course benefits from an excellent design and layout amongst the immense sand dunes, it weaves its way through rugged terrain and the result is a scenic yet challenging course, with lovely views of the Donegal hills, the Atlantic Ocean and to the Inishowen peninsula in the distance. Features of this course are elevated tees, well placed bunkers, dog legs and hogs-back contours, all combine to give a fascinating game of golf. As is typical with a links course nature is a huge aspect on how you play, there is almost always a breeze blowing here and it can get ferocious. Many of the features come from the natural terrain, the sand dunes are massive. There is a nice selection of holes, they are all original and fantastic. The front nine is by far the best here, set amongst the immense dunes, the setting is magnificent, accurate shot making is necessary here, the back nine are still good though but are more gentle as they are set in the rolling hills, with a more parkland feel. There are a few really good par 3’s and notable par 4’s. The course is not particularly long but there are huge changes in elevation so can be difficult, but walking around is the best way you get the most out of it.
The Strand course is a true links course, it is well maintained and in great condition, the cambered fairways are lush and immaculate, the undulating sandy greens run straight, and are quick and true, there is lots of high rough and it is horrendous, it is patiently waiting to snare a wayward shot, then there are the many bunkers to contend with. This course although tough has it all, it is engaging, challenging, scenic and above all fun to play.