Waterville Golf Club

Golf has been played here since 1889 and the links course still offers a real challenge to golfers of all levels today.

A stunning location and a course with plentiful sand dunes, native grass roughs, firm fairways and challenging greens combine with ever changing weather – the wind here can at times be tricky to walk in!- to present a tough but enjoyable test.

Charlie Chaplin was a regular visitor to Waterville, and not only has a statue been erected in his honour, but an extremely popular annual two-day tournament has been named after him.

Every single hole on the course is a gem. The front nine are relatively sheltered but you are left in no doubt about the test ahead when you reach the 9th, also known as the “last easy”, especially since there was nothing easy about the course so far!

The back nine are almost all close to the shoreline and very exposed. An exception is the par 5 11th which involves a narrow route through high dunes on either side which create the almost eerie silence which has led to it being nicknamed “Tranquility”.

There is nothing in the least tranquil about the 16th where the long wide and open fairway curves around the shoreline and the wind rushes in from the Atlantic with at times astonishing strength.

Waterville features consistently in lists of the World’s best courses, usually close to the top, and is a must for anyone keen to experience true links golf.

Green Fees: €150. Reduced fees for guests staying in Waterville House. Early booking advisable.

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