Portmarnock Resort in Ireland has completed a two-year renovation project to its golf course, which has been rebranded Jameson Golf Links.
Originally designed by Bernhard Langer and opened in 1995, the layout is 20 minutes away from the center of Dublin. Prior to completion of the renovation, the course ranked No. 45 on Golfweek’s Best list of top modern layouts in Great Britain and Ireland.
The final piece of the renovation puzzle was completion of the new 17th hole, which had been a par 3 but has been converted to a short par 4 playing 355 yards to a tabletop green with all new bunkering.
The new No. 17 of Jameson Golf Links at Portmarnock Resort in Ireland (Courtesy of Portmanock Resort)
Most of the work focused on the back nine. Both Nos. 12 and 14 were converted from par 4s to now play as par 5s, and the formerly par-5 13th is now a par 4. The 15th was converted from a par 4 to a par 3. Before making the turn, the par-4 eighth hole was straightened to accommodate an expansion of the course’s irrigation lake. The course now plays to a par of 72 at 7,266 off the back tees, which is about 100 yards longer than before the renovation.
The renovation of Jameson Golf Links was led by Jeff Lynch, the director and senior architect of (re)GOLF, a design firm with a presence in the British Isles, continental Europe and North America.
“We were thrilled to be selected to consult with Northland Properties and the team at Portmarnock Resort and Jameson Golf Links,” Lynch said in a media release announcing completion of the project. “The layout here was already considered to be a fair challenge for most golfers – our aim was to enhance the link between the guest and the coastal experience.
“We endeavored to augment this natural connection at certain intervals throughout the course whilst complementing, if not adding, to the strategy of the layout. I believe we have delivered a handcrafted landscape for the golfer and the environment that all involved can be proud of.”
Formerly known as Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links, the course is part of the full-service Portmarnock Resort, which was acquired by Sandman Hotel Group in 2019. The seaside resort has also been the recipient of large renovations and upgrades.
“The feedback we are receiving from members and visiting guests about the changes made to the links over the past year or so has been fantastic,” director of golf Paul McCanny said in the media release. “Jeff Lynch and (re)GOLF Design, DAR Golf, Aquaturf Solutions and our own Jameson Golf Links maintenance team have delivered work of the highest quality.
“The aim was to make the most of our spectacular dunescape whilst heightening the golfing experience. We believe Jameson Golf Links is now one of the best links golf experiences in Ireland.”
Check out photos of the renovated course below.