Royal Dublin Golf Club
18th Hole / 460 Yards / Par-4
“Garden”
Architect: Harry Colt (1920)
Most recent updating – Clayton, DeVries and Pont Bunkering renovation project (2023)
Dublin, Ireland
Royal Dublin Golf Club is located on Bull Island, in Dublin Bay. The island was formed following the building of a sea wall in the early 1800s. The result is a perfect sandy island, superb terrain for a golf course and an excellent home for flora and fauna. Bull Island is the only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in a capital city.
The Dublin Golf Club, as it was originally called, was founded in 1885. The club moved twice before the course finally came to rest on Bull Island, in 1889. Two years later, Queen Victoria granted the club royal patronage. The course was severely damaged during the First World War and was rebuilt by Harry Colt in 1920.
The 18th hole is a fitting finale to one of Ireland’s most historic courses. Designed by Harry Colt, the par-4 combines strategy backdrop of the regal clubhouse framed by Dublin City in the background.
Stretching 40 yards from the championship tees, the hole demands a precise tee shot hugging the out-of-bounds that lurk along the right side. Those able to land a tee shot as close to the boundary as possible can secure the shortest distance for the approach shot.
Those bailing out left must deal with strategically-placed bunkers that catch any errant drives.
The approach shot is where the challenge intensifies. The more aggressive line you take the more the out-of-bounds comes into play. Those opting for a safer route can mean either a chip shot over the greenside bunker or a challenging bunker shot.
Wind direction and velocity can vary and only add to the demands presented.
The green is one of the original Colt designs. It is the biggest on the course and offers an array of subtle breaks which will test the best putters.
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Related: Michael Hutchinson interview
M. James Ward
A long-time member of both the GWAA and MGWA. The 68-year-old has covered all facets in golf since 1980 — including reporting on over 100 major championships and 13 Ryder Cup matches. His writings have appeared in various outlets. On a personal level, has played over 2,000 courses globally and is lead reviewer for Top 100 Golf Courses.
Previously served for 17 years as national course rating panelist for Golf Digest. Has also personally competed in USGA Championships. Resides in the metro New York City area with his wife Celeste. Favorite quote paraphrased for golf — “You are what your golf score says you are.”