Links golf as it was always meant to be played
The courses on every serious golfer's list. Arranged properly, without the queuing and guesswork.
Links golf is the original game. Open coastlines, natural terrain, turf built on sand, courses that date to the 19th century. It's what golf was before it moved inland and invented water hazards.
The world's best links courses are mostly in Ireland, Scotland, and England. Old Head of Kinsale on the Atlantic cliffs. Ballybunion's great links running beside the estuary. Royal Dornoch in the Scottish Highlands, where Tom Watson described it as 'the most fun I have ever had on a golf course'. The Old Course at St Andrews, which doesn't need introducing.
Getting on these courses requires forward planning and local knowledge. Some have waiting lists. Some require a handicap certificate. Some are so oversubscribed that the only way to guarantee a time is to book through someone who's been doing it for 45 years.
Old Head of Kinsale, Ballybunion, Waterville, Tralee, Lahinch — the southwest Ireland loop is one of the great golf journeys. We've arranged it hundreds of times.
Is this trip for you?
- Links golf is your preferred or aspirational format
- You have a handicap and are comfortable playing in coastal conditions
- You want to play courses you've seen on television or read about in golf literature
- You're happy to build a trip around the courses rather than the hotel
Where do you want to go?
Our top picks for this type of trip — chosen from 45 years of experience
Ireland (Southwest Links Loop)
The greatest concentration of world-class links courses anywhere. Ballybunion, Lahinch, Waterville, Tralee, Old Head — all within a self-drive loop.
Scotland
St Andrews, Carnoustie, Royal Dornoch, Turnberry. Championship venues and hidden gems. Links golf's spiritual home.
Ireland (North — Royal Portrush)
Royal Portrush hosted The Open. Royal County Down is regularly ranked top 10 in the world. Two of the great links in one short trip.
Every trip includes
"I'd been trying to get on Ballybunion for three years. Golf Planet had us on it, Lahinch, Waterville, and Old Head in five days. The organisation was faultless. Played the best golf of my life on the best courses I've ever seen."
Questions we get asked
Do I need a handicap certificate for these courses?
Old Head, Ballybunion, and most major links courses require a handicap of 28 or better. We'll confirm the requirement for each course when we arrange your booking.
What's the weather like on links courses?
Honest answer: variable. Scotland and Ireland are Atlantic coasts. May-September gives the best odds of good weather. Pack a waterproof. It's part of the experience.
Is a self-drive links tour possible?
Yes — the Southwest Ireland loop is specifically designed for this. We arrange the hotels and tee times; you drive between them at your own pace.
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Ready to plan your links golf as it was always meant to be played?
One call. One quote. Everything arranged.