• TypeLinks
  • Holes18
  • ArchitectHarry Vardon, James Braid, Thomas Mitchell Morris
  • Established1891

Rosapenna Golf Resort is located in the North West of Ireland in County Donegal amongst 800 acres, along the coastline of Tramore beach, it looks out onto Sheephaven Bay and stretches of gorgeous sand dunes.

Rosapenna Golf Resort is home to three stunning courses in one amazing coastal location, the Old Tom Morris Links, The Sandy Hills & St Patrick’s Links which offer their own charm and appeal. It is undoubtedly one of the finest golf resorts in Ireland with a long pedigree that dates back to the late 19th century. The Old Tom Morris course dates back to 1891, over the years a number of different designers have been involved in making changes and improvements to the course, although not much was needed owing to the strength of its original design and layout, it has certainly stood the test of time this past century. The most significant changes occurred in 2009 when the course layout was effectively changed with the back nine holes becoming the front nine holes, benefitting from spectacular views across Mulroy Bay. A true testament to the effectiveness of these changes is that you are unable to differentiate between the two halves they blend seamlessly together. It is a par 71, and measures 6,612 yards from the back tees. Being a true links course they have cleverly and effectively used the natural terrain in the design and layout creating a wonderfully natural classic links course that flows over the undulating terrain, running from the ocean to the dunes.

Most of the courses features come from nature being the vast rolling and sloping fairways that are reasonably wide. The greens are receptive and quick, the rough is not too heavy and the bunkers are well placed. The first ten holes are played along the coast, known as “the Valley” but for the final eight you are required to cross a road where you play inland and uphill to a meadow where you get excellent views out over the Atlantic Ocean. There is not a boring hole on the course, they are all interesting and varied. The course is challenging but not unfair, it will reward good shots. Old Tom Morris sits in an incredibly beautiful and tranquil landscape where it feels like it is just you and nature. It is also one of the few courses where you will find a blend of old-fashioned and contemporary that sits so well together.

What you get here is a fun course to play that is complete contrast to the Sandy Hills course also located here.