Donegal Golf Club is situated on the Murvagh Peninsula in Donegal Bay, it is hidden from view by a forest of evergreens, it is enclosed on one side by the great Atlantic Ocean and by Donegal Bay on the other.
Donegal Golf Club original course was constructed back in 1973 by Eddie Hackett, known locally as “Murvagh” some minor changes as well as lengthening it have been made but, otherwise it remains to its true form. This 18 hole championship course is a par 73, 7,300 yards from the championship tees, so is a long course by all accounts.
In accordance with his usual practice Hackett has made the most out of the natural terrain and features to create a visually appealing and enjoyable course to play. The natural rugged terrrain has been excellently executed to establish a tough links course that will challenge the best of players. Being open to the elements you are going to be at the mercy of the weather, particularly the winds that can blow from gentle to fierce.
The course is comprised of two elongated loops of nine, referred to as the outer and inner loops, they run in opposite directions. There is not a weak hole on the course they all have their own challenges. The course flows through the dunes, following the various changes in elevation that create some blind spots. The par 5’s are all excellent.
The course is
- beautifully maintained,
- the fairways are generally wide but do narrow in places and are hard,
- greens are fast but true,
- the rough is tough and
- deep bunkers are all attributes here.
That said it is a tough course but does play fair.
You are surrounded by wonderful panoramic vistas, the Bluestack Mountains provide a wonderful backdrop to the course, and the view across the bay is sensational.