Rosapenna Hotel and Golf Resort Sandy Hills Course Key Information
A very natural and evenly flowing course in a stunning location.
The course is set in an amazing area of sand dunes that stretches for miles. It has to be one of the most natural links courses in the world. It is pure links golf which is both challenging and thrilling at the same time. There’s great variety to be found and it's a firm but fair test of golf.
It’s a course of nuances and subtlety with green complexes featuring some challenging slopes and falloffs.
REASONS TO PLAY ROSAPENNA SANDY HILLS COURSE
– Hugely striking setting
– Impressive example of modern course design
– Fascinating mix of holes requiring careful thought and a strategic approach
RANKINGS
UK & Ireland Top 100 Golf Courses 2023/24 - 44
It’s hard to believe the Sandy Hills Links is less than 20 years old, the Pat Ruddy design opened in just 2003. Carved through the dunes, this superb layout has quickly earned a reputation as one of the best golf courses in Ireland.
From the outset, the challenge of this tricky course is evident – you must find the fairways. Dunes wait right from the tee on 1, with a fall-away to the left. Although it’s a short par-5 on paper, precision from the tee, on approach and, likely, on the third shot are key.
The slopes and speed of the greens on the Sandy Hills Links are quite a feature and a deft short game and touch is essential if you’re to negotiate the testing green complexes.
There are some very difficult shots to be faced on the Sandy Hills. On the par-3 7th, the tee shot is played downhill to a firm green with dramatic run offs right and long. On the par-5 8th, the approach is to a raised green where anything short will roll back some 40 yards.
But that’s not to say it’s unfair, carefully thought out and well played shots will be rewarded. This is a real thinkers’ links course and definitely one that’s fun to play, trying to master its nuances and subtleties.
On the run in there are some really excellent holes with standouts including the bunker-less par-4 15th and par-5 17th. The former dips and turns to the right before climbing again to a sheltered green.
The latter offers a birdie chance in prevailing winds but with significant slopes to a collection area right of the green, it’s a daunting approach and one that must be played with surety.
Sandy Hills is one of the great examples of course design from the last 25 years. It makes the very most of this dramatic coastal landscape, delivering a superb variety of unique, memorable and challenging golf holes.
It’s tough, there’s no question about that, but it’s fair and it’s hugely enjoyable.
What The Top 100 Panel Said
Sandy Hills remains as one of my favourite places to play golf in the whole world. The setting is fantastic and as a lover of links golf this course is so natural and wild in its beauty and challenge as a test of golf. Over the years the fairways have widened and the rough has become more playable. The setting along the beautiful Sheephaven Bay is wonderful Some of the opening hols have magnificent views of the coastline and mountains across the bay. The view down the fairway to the 6th green is one of the nicest views that will see in Irish golf.
A huge step forward for Sandy Hills this time round. It is a course developed with the players in mind. The tight walkways are not designed with big crowds of pro events in mind. This is a personal golfing experience. You and your partners battling the course and the elements far away from civilisation. The more i play this course, the more i enjoy the test.
Rosapenna Hotel and Golf Resort Sandy Hills Course
Rosapenna Hotel and Golf Resort Sandy Hills Course Green Fees
Rosapenna Sandy Hills Course Scorecard
Best Courses Near To Rosapenna Hotel and Golf Resort Sandy Hills Course
For more Irish golfing gems, check out our guide to the very best golf courses in Ireland.
Best Places to Stay Near Rosapenna Hotel and Golf Resort Sandy Hills Course
Rosapenna Hotel and Golf Resort - Book Now
Staying at the resort, you're right there on site to hit the fairways. There are also packages available for hotel guests playing the golf courses. The views are superb and the accommodation and facilities are excellent. The food is of a very high standard.
Downings Bay Hotel - Book now at Booking.com
Situated in Sheephaven Bay on the picturesque Atlantic Drive, this is a comfortable hotel serving locally sourced food in the restaurant and there's always a good atmosphere in the bar. Guests can also enjoy free access to the nearby local leisure centre. The leisure centre has a modern, fully equipped gym and a swimming pool
Rosapenna Hotel and Golf Resort Sandy Hills Course Gallery
Rosapenna Hotel and Golf Resort Sandy Hills Course Historical Top 100 Ranking UK&I
- 2023/24 - 44
- 2021/22 - 46
- 2019/20 - 44
- 2017/18 - 45
- 2015/16 - 45
- 2013/14 - 42
- 2011/12 - 39
- 2009/10 - 43
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Designed Rosapenna Golf Course?
The Sandy Hills Golf Course at Rosapenna was designed by Pat Ruddy. There are two more courses on the property, one designed by Old Tom Morris and the most recent - St Patrick's Link, designed by Tom Doak
Who Owns Rosapenna?
It's owned by the Casey family - brothers Frank Jr and John run the operations at the resort.
