Portmarnock Resort has completed the multi-million-euro renovation of its rebranded Jameson Golf Links, an exciting two-year project which has seen numerous holes remodelled on the championship golf course.
The opening of the reimagined 17th hole – previously a challenging par three but now a thrilling risk-and-reward par four – brings to an end work which has created one of Ireland’s most exciting and picturesque links courses.
Formerly known as Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links, various modifications have been made to Bernhard Langer’s original 1995 design, including the elevation of many tee boxes and greens to bring the sea closer to the course and create stunning panoramic views of north Dublin’s Velvet Strand and the famous island known locally as Ireland’s Eye.
The work was led by Northland Real Estate Properties and the Gagliardi family, who took ownership of the resort in 2019, and the renovations masterminded by Jeff Lynch, director and senior architect at (re)GOLF.
The course rebrand brings to life the inextricable link between the land, the clubhouse and the famous Jameson whiskey dynasty – a family who played an important part in the introduction of the game of golf to Ireland and particularly the north Dublin coast.
Following the opening of the penultimate hole – lengthened to a 355-yard par four with a tabletop green complex and new bunkering – the course now plays as a par 72, measuring 7,266 yards off the back tees.
Although 100 yards longer than before from the back tee, a more playable test is presented from three sets of forward tees and enhancements to landing areas and bunkering ensures golfers of all abilities can manage, and enjoy, their way around.
Paul McCanny, director of golf at Jameson Golf Links, said: “The feedback we are receiving from members and visiting guests about the changes made to the links over the past year or so has been fantastic.
“Jeff Lynch and (re)GOLF Design, DAR Golf, Aquaturf Solutions and our own Jameson Golf Links maintenance team have delivered work of the highest quality. The aim was to make the most of our spectacular dunescape whilst heightening the golfing experience. We believe Jameson Golf Links is now one of the best links golf experiences in Ireland.”
The majority of work to the course has taken place on the final ten holes. Both the 12th and 14th holes – previously par fours – have been redesigned as par fives, with the raised green area on the former providing incredible views of the famous Velvet Strand, Howth Head, Lambay and Ireland’s Eye.
In between those new par fives, the once par-five 13th hole is now a very challenging par four, becoming the course’s stroke index one in the process. The 15th has also been shortened from a par four to a par three.
Changes to the previously dog-legged eighth – now transformed into a straighter par four following the development of a new fairway, green complex and grass pathways – has allowed for the movement and enlargement of the course’s irrigation lake, greatly increasing water collection capabilities and sustainability credentials.
Jeff Lynch, from re(GOLF) design, said: “We were thrilled to be selected to consult with Northland Properties and the team at Portmarnock Resort & Jameson Golf Links. The layout here was already considered to be a fair challenge for most golfers – our aim was to enhance the link between the guest and the coastal experience.
“We endeavoured to augment this natural connection at certain intervals throughout the course whilst complementing, if not adding, to the strategy of the layout. I believe we have delivered a handcrafted landscape for the golfer and the environment that all involved can be proud of.”