Donegal (Murvagh)

This massive links course was opened in 1973 and has waged war against the ravaging power of the Atlantic ocean each winter. This comes at a cost, so much so that the members have to raise over €30,000.00 each year to cover damage and erosion.

It is a very long course with 5 par 5’s calling for some Tiger-like drives.

The Blue Stack mountains provide a backdrop to the natural links land having been moulded by mother nature, the greatest golf architect ever! With the links course developing over the last 30 years, it is one of the best in the North West and is continually rated in the top 20 courses in Ireland. This Murvagh masterpiece is often described as the Muirfield of Ireland with similar terrain and loops of nine design

Ireland has over 400 golf courses and is the keeper of almost 40% of the worlds genuine links courses. Although there was an abundance of prime links land running along the west coast at the start of the 1900’s which led to the creation of Ballybunion, Lahinch, Rosses point and Rosapenna. Late nineteenth century links development seemed to cease for nigh on 70 years. Two world wars and a depression later we had the emergence of Donegal, Waterville and Connemara all shaped by the hands of Irish golf architect legend Eddie Hackett. The 60’s and 70’s saw the emergence of these heavy weight links championship courses. Donegal was a good return for £200 to retain Mr. Hacketts services in 1972.