OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW
TROUBLE LURKS: Crowned putting surfaces like the par-3 third make for tricky recoveries (above). Wind, turf and contour are the only defence needed at holes like the par-3 sixth (below, right). The approach to the 15th green is one of the most exacting – and inspiring (top, right), and that’s followed by the famous Calamity Corner par 3 (middle).
from awkward stances. Avoiding these depressions – especially the deadliest hollows like left of No 1, long left on the par-3 sixth, the ferociously deep bunker left of the par-4 14th and all along the right side of the 236-yard par-3 16th, one of Portrush’s most famous holes known as Calamity Corner – is the key to keep- ing good rounds alive. After winning by six strokes in 2019, Irishman Shane Lowry, who described Royal Portrush as “incredible,” was more prescient than witty. “Everybody has been raving about how good the golf course was,” he said. “I’d be very surprised if (the Open) is not back here in the next 10 years.” It took only six be- cause the sentiment behind the decision is the same: Royal Portrush was love at first sight. The chemistry seems right for a long relationship.
to settle low shots that come bounding in under the ocean gales. Once more, Portrush is different. Its greens, origi- nally designed by Harry S Colt during his complete remodel of the course over new land in 1932, possess swales, pock- ets and crests that are common to Irish links but extreme to Scottish or English designs outside St Andrews. Colt’s mag- nificent surfaces, particularly at the par 3s and holes like the par-4 first and par-
4 14th, remain original. When remodel- ling was necessary at several existing greens, as well as at two new holes cre- ated in 2016 (the seventh and eighth), British architects Martin Ebert and Tom Mackenzie attempted to replicate Colt- like shaping. These internal movements create unique hole locations that can be challenging to get close to and compli- cate the paths of long lag putts, testing pace and break. More important to the unique char- acter of Portrush might be the areas around the greens and their wild forma- tions. Many of the putting surfaces are nestled snuggly into dunes or surround- ing mounds – the par-4 fourth and par-4 11th are examples. More commonly, the surrounds sit above the fairways with edges that spill off into low basins and ra- vines leaving delicate pitches and chips
Royal Portrush was love at first sight. The chemistry seems right for a long relationship.
58 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
JULY/AUGUST 2025
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator