Golf Digest – 9 Irish courses in the World top 100!

In conversation with Jamie McConnell

The latest biennial Golf Digest World Top 100 golf courses list has recently been published and 9 Irish courses have made the grade! It’s amazing really that our little country has almost 10% of the world’s best golf courses according to Golf Digest. But, for those of us involved in Irish golf tourism we’re not surprised and also very proud!

To discuss the courses on the list, I caught up with proud Irishman, Jamie McConnell, Director of Instruction at the Claude Harmon Performance Academy in Dubai. To hear Jamie’s take on the latest Golf Digest World Top 100 and his advice on playing golf in Ireland check out the video below. We’re very grateful to Jamie for his time and insight.

Royal County Down has remained at #1 and Co. Sligo (also known as Rosses Point) has made the Top 100 for the first time at #91. The full list including the previous rankings are below. The truth is that there are several other courses from the more than 400 courses on the Island of Ireland that could stake a claim to be included! 

The 9 Irish courses in the 2022 Golf Digest World Top are:

Royal County Down 1 (1)
Royal Portrush 8 (8)
Ballybunion 18 (17)
Lahinch 41 (31)
Waterville 60 (75)
Portmarnock 62 (40)
Old Head of Kinsale 85 (68)
Co. Sligo 91 (NR)
European Club 93 (95)

When we consider that Ireland also has approximately 1/3 of the true links courses in the world, it is no wonder that demand for premium Irish golf continues to grow. If you want to play our world famous courses in 2023 and beyond, contact us without delay to make plans. 

We look forward to welcoming you to the land of Saints, Scholars and world class golf!

In Conversation

G Golf CEO Joe Shannon chats to David Connellan and Andreas Lagercrantz…

Now that Ireland is fully reopen, it’s just fantastic to see Tourism Ireland promoting golf as one of their main marketing themes. Ireland is considered to be one of the world’s premier golf destinations with 11 of our world famous courses in the current Golf Digest World Top 100 list.

We also have over 400 golf courses in all corners of the Emerald Isle and we have approximately 1/3 of the true links courses in the world! As we exit the pandemic, Tourism Ireland are starting to highlight Ireland’s hidden gems in their marketing activity.

We got a sneak preview of this strategy when G Golf Ireland CEO, Joe Shannon, caught up with Tourism Ireland‘s Golf Executive, David Connellan. Also on the call was Andreas Lagercrantz who is Swedish PGA pro golfer Alex Noren‘s manager and brother. Andreas is involved in a number of golf travel businesses and with the support of Tourism Ireland has organised a group of high profile Swedish media and influencers to visit Ireland at the end of March.

Their itinerary includes Co. Louth (Baltray), Royal Belfast and Warrenpoint for golf, as well as visits to the new Game of Thrones experience in the Belfast area and other cultural experiences. Check out at the video below to find out more about Tourism Ireland’s strategy for golf and the incredible depth of quality golf available all across our beautiful island. .

To start planning your unforgettable golf trip to Ireland, contact us today!

Yours in golf,

G Golf Ireland

Paul McGinley on Donegal

We are very grateful to 2014 Ryder Cup winning Captain, Paul McGinley, for taking time out of his busy schedule to chat with G Golf Ireland CEO, Joe Shannon. 

In advance of the Irish Legends event which he is hosting in August at Rosapenna Golf Resort on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, Paul lists the other must play golf courses in Co. Donegal – Ballyliffin, Port Salon, Narin & Portnoo, Cruit Island, Co. Donegal (Murvagh), Dunfanaghy and Bundoran are among his favourites. Paul’s roots are in Co. Donegal so check out the video below to get his local knowledge of these stunning courses.

G Golf Ireland has partnered with the Legends Tour to bring you exclusive packages for the Irish Legends event. Click here for details or contact us to find out more about the greatest experience in amateur golf.

Yours in Golf

G Golf Ireland

Thanks Des Smyth!

We are very grateful to legendary Irish golfer, Des Smyth, who took time this week to chat with G Golf Ireland CEO, Joe Shannon.

Des reflects on the US Open at Winged Foot, the upcoming Irish Open at Galgorm Castle, and the new Legends Tour format, which is bringing incredible opportunities for amateur golfers to compete alongside the likes of Paul McGinley, Tom Lehman, Darren Clarke, Colin Montgomerie, Ian Woosnam and others.

We are also delighted to announce that G Golf Ireland has partnered with the newly formed Legends Tour (formerly the Staysure European Seniors Tour) and The McGinley Foundation, to bring you a unique offer to play in a Legends Tour event next summer at Rosapenna golf resort, Co. Donegal.

Included in the package is a weeklong extravaganza of golf, hospitality, entertainment and craic, in the company of Major winners, Ryder Cup Captains and players. Full package details are available – please contact us asap to confirm your place.

The Top 100

Golf Digest Ireland recently announced their annual Top 100 Irish golf courses list. In the video below, G Golf Ireland co-Founder Mark Gannon and CEO Joe Shannon discuss the list and highlight some of the less famous names.

Mark Gannon is one of Ireland’s most decorated amateur golfers and was described recently by Padraig Harrington as having the best short game he has ever seen – high praise indeed from a 3 time major champion and Ryder Cup Captain – you can watch what Padraig says about Mark by clicking here.

Mark has also been a Golf Digest Ireland Top 100 panelist so his comments on this year’s list are insightful. The focus for the video discussion is on courses outside the top 10 but which Mark highly recommends playing. These include The Island, Murvagh (Co. Donegal), Rosapenna, Ballyliffin, Port Salon, Narin and Portnoo, Carne, Concra Wood, Seapoint and Lough Erne.

Please get in touch to discuss your post-pandemic dream golf vacation. Already, 2022 is looking like a bumper year for golf, so we strongly recommend making plans soon to get the best tee times and accommodation.

Thank you Paul McGinley!

We are very grateful to 2014 Ryder Cup winning Captain, Paul McGinley, for taking time out of his busy schedule this week to chat with G Golf Ireland CEO, Joe Shannon. Check out the video for the first in a series of excerpts from their conversation.
Fresh off the plane from his role as a Sky Sports commentator at Augusta, Paul gives his insiders view on the 2021 Masters and Hideki Matsuyama’s famous victory. Paul also talks about the Irish Legends event which he is hosting in August at Rosapenna Golf Resort on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.
G Golf Ireland has partnered with the Legends Tour to bring you exclusive packages for the Irish Legends event. Click the image below for details or contact us to find out more about the greatest experience in amateur golf.