Rosapenna Old Tom Morris Links

About Old Tom Morris Links

Old Tom Morris Links, located at the iconic Rosapenna Golf Resort, truly captures the essence of traditional links golf; its undulating fairways, deep bunkers and the ever-present winds challenge even the most seasoned players.

Each hole is a unique masterpiece, showcasing Old Tom's mastery of course design.From the iconic par-5 7th, which demands a precise drive and a daring second shot over a hazard, to the treacherous par-3 16th, where a misjudged shot can easily find the sea, every hole offers a its own challenge to those who choose to rise to it.

Playing Old Tom Morris is not just about scoring; it's about experiencing the history, the tradition, and the raw beauty of links golf. It's a pilgrimage to a golfing shrine, where the spirit of Old Tom Morris lives on in every blade of grass and every grain of sand.

A Brief History

• First opened in 1893
• More detailed bunkering and added length were suggested and put in place by James Braid and Harry Vardon in 1906
• Reopened with a new front nine in 2009
• During World War I, the course was used as an airfield, leading to significant changes to the layout
• After the war, the course was restored and expanded to its current 18-hole design
• Remains one of the most renowned and respected golf courses in Ireland
• Has hosted several prestigious golf tournaments, including the Irish Open and the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship
• Sits proudly in Golf Digest’s and Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Courses in the World and named the Irish Golfer’s ‘Course of the Year’ numerous times

Featured hole – Hole 12

The 12th hole at Rosapenna Old Tom Morris is a par-4 and is often described as one of the most challenging and picturesque holes that the course possesses. It is a dogleg left with a generous fairway, but the real challenge lies in the approach shot. Players must carry their second shot over a large dune to a green that is perched on a cliff overlooking the sea. This can simply transform routine par into a heroic birdie or a seemingly routine bogey into a catastrophic double.

The view from the green is breathtaking at this hole, and it is a hole that will be remembered long after the round is over.

Known For: Being a Symphony of Wind, Sand and Sea

The unyielding relationship with the wind is something every golfer remembers about the course. This constant companion shapes the course, dictates strategy, and rewards those who can master its erratic nature. The wind at Rosapenna is not merely a nuisance; it's an integral part of the golfing experience, and for those who can master the wind, Rosapenna offers a truly unforgettable golfing experience.