Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg

Basically this is a beautiful links course with many (high) dunes and great facilities. The fact that this complex bears the owner's name and has consequently acquired a somewhat pompous American character does detract somewhat from the feeling you are left with. It was not without reason that clothing and souvenirs bearing only the Doonbeg logo and name seemed to be more popular than those that also bore the owner's name.... It was also a shame that a number of holes could not be played, or could not fully be played, due to maintenance work. For instance, only a short par-3, hit from a mat, remained of the par-5 first hole. Hole 18 was completely closed, and this was compensated for by playing a hole 10 that was split into A and B. It also caused a lot of confusion, because the temporary scorecard did not match the regular layout and ratings. Anyway, we didn't let it distract us too much, because the course was actually far too beautiful (and pricey...). We had played Lahinch the day before (see review), and comparisons are quickly made. As far as I am concerned, the comparison turned out in Lahinch's favor, mainly due to the layout and historical character. Every comparison is flawed, so this one is too, and Doonbeg is simply a beautiful links course in its own right. As mentioned before, the facilities are top-notch. A large clubhouse, a large shop, a good restaurant, and a beautifully situated terrace. Good starter and caddy service, including a shuttle to the spacious practice facilities. The whole atmosphere feels somewhat American, which is no wonder given the many Americans who visit this course on their golf pilgrimage trips to Europe. The many high dunes look menacing, ready to absorb balls. But if you manage to avoid that attraction, it is simply a very good and beautifully playable links course. Beautiful holes with sufficient variety, elevation changes, doglegs left and right, and lovely views of the sea. The attached photos speak them self. Doonbeg is in the top 10 in Ireland, and that seems more than justified to me. However, there are many beautiful courses along the Irish southwest coast that I would be more likely to revisit than this one. After all, I do not feel the need to contribute more to the owner's profits. Final conclusion: had a wonderful day of golf.

It is a great links course, but is overhyped. I expected more of the top condition of everything: the tee boxes (lacking hole picture and some key hazards which is the case at many less expensive courses), the paths between holes or into fairways (trampled and muddy in places), the restaurant (cramed space in busy times), the inconvenient access to the cklubhouse from the carpark (stairs or cobbled surface), visitors changing rooms (relatively old furnishings, a single hair drier). I mean eveything was very good, but not at the top level as is being claimed and expected.

The course itself is designed in one loop (9 out and then 9 return) and as such, most importantly, lacking shelters which are mandatory at such an exposed location. There is simply no protection from the elements whatsoever. The little shop at the 8th hole has two single toilets, but again no room for shelter there too.

The links course is great and challenging. The fairways are relatively wide with places to miss if you played there before and know them, but otherwise demand relatively straight shots. Bunkers are deadly as are typical at links courses, especially at par5 13th, so avoid them at all costs and better lay up than going for the green. One green had a big puddle in relatively dry weather prior to playing, so strange they don't drain well in dunnes.

Good I played with golf society and did not pay full fees which would have disappointed me even more.

best car paths ever, driving range 8, tee offs 9, fairways 10, roughs 9, bunkers 9, greens 9, course difficulty 8, course design 9, pro shop 8, locker rooms 7.

Jouer sur ce parcours est un regal. Au trou No1, le green est niché devant des montagnes de dunes. Si on joue des boules correspondant à son niveau de jeu, le par est possible. Mais

Les greens sont fermes et avec le vent pour, c'est parfois difficile de se mettre près du drapeau. Les fairways, les chemins entre les trous sont excellent état.

En arrivant, pour decharger les sacs de golf le parking n'est pas grand si on arrive en même temps qu un bus de golfeurs. Heureusement, quelqu'un est là pour vous accueillir.

Malgré un prix de green fee très élevé, il faut venir jouer ce parcours magnifique.

In my opinion, this is one of the truly great Irish links courses. It may not have the history of Lahinch or Ballybunion, but Doonbeg had managed to catch up with them in the short time it hugs the Atlantic Ocean. Amazing views, great variety of hole lay-outs, almost faultless maintenance and some excellent service. This is as good as links golf gets.

We arrived a day prior to playing the course, on a beautiful sunny afternoon. The view of the par 5 1st hole and the 18th green, with the ocean in the background, gets many a golfheart beating a bit faster. The next day the starter and our caddies greeted us very warmly. The staff will drive you to the range and practice facilities and back, and everyone is very friendly and helpful.

The course was in perfect condition, despite the 6 week drought. Green were firm of course, but still rolled as true as you can get and were very fast. I found the lines tricky to read, but with the help of my excellent caddy I actually started off with 2 birdies. Naturally, playing well added to the great experience.

Doonbeg is far from a boring course, with a lot of variety in lay-out, as well as club selection of the tee. A couple of holes are really stand out, like holes 6,13,14 and 18, as the Atlantic Ocean comes into full view (and play). These holes make Doonbeg a simply amazing course, that is up there with the best courses I’ve had the pleasure of playing.

Lastly, the maintenance was super. Teeboxes, fairways and green in the condition you want to find them.

I’ll definitely be back here if I can.