Region: North West
Course Name: Rosapenna Golf Club
Address: Letterkenny, Co. Donegal
Web Address: https://www.rosapenna.ie/golf.html
At a Glance
Rosapenna is one of the most expansive resorts, not only in the northwest, but all of Ireland. There are currently two courses here, the Sandy Hills Links and the Old Tom Morris Links. In 2021 there will be a new addition to the property, St Patrick’s links. We know what you are thinking; you could base your whole northwest itinerary in Rosapenna.
Founded: 1893
Type: Links
Par: 72
Length: 7,183 yards/ 6,568 metres
Holes: 18
Designer: Old Tom Morris/Pat Ruddy
A Test of Old and New Links Golf
It really is a flip of the coin between Sandy Hills and the Old Tom Morris links as they are both equally as good as each other. The Old Tom Morris links is by far the older of the two courses.
Dating back to the late 19th-Century, the course consists of wide rolling fairways through the undulating terrain and very receptive greens. Naturally, over time, the course went under some renovations to keep in with the modern game and in 2009 the Strand Nine opened to replace the old back nine and are now played as the front nine.
The course is a test of both old and new links golf.
But we are here for the golf...
The Sandy Hills Links opened in 2003 and is considered one of Ireland’s finest modern links courses. Situated alongside the dunes, the course goes right through them.
The course plays tough off the tee as the dunes are deceptively wide which creates narrow fairways. Most of the holes are set alongside the dunes so they are in play on pretty much every hole.
The one advantage of the course is that there are no surprises, you can spot the danger on the tee. This benefits the strategists as they plot their way around this great course.
Local Attractions
- Slieve League
- Glenveagh National Park
- Fanad Head
Our Guests Say:
Rosapenna has it all. Soon to be a 54-hole resort you can dedicate quite a bit of your golf itinerary in this area and not have to worry about travelling to courses each day. Both the Sandy Hills and Old Tom Morris Links courses are premium quality and, therefore, a stay in Donegal is a must!
Our Verdict:
Rosapenna captures the old style of links golf just as well as it captures the modern style. Therefore, its versatility ensures it is an exciting experience and something that you must experience.
