The phrase hidden gem gets tossed around a lot when describing a golf course and it’s one I hate. Having played the Valley course at Royal Portrush, I can tell you it is far more than a hidden gem.
This is a golf course ready to stand on its own two feet and don’t be surprised if you hear its name associated with some of the best links courses around.
Understandably in the shadow of the Dunluce Links, which will have hosted its third Open Championship in July, the Valley course is a real treat and presents a different test to its famous brother.
Valley by name and Valley by nature. It is impossible to escape the views of the towering dunes which engulf the golf course. It feels like you are sealed off in a little bubble, a world of your own.
Don’t get too comfortable though as the intimidating par-3 ‘Calamity’ on the Dunluce Links also overlooks parts of the course and there is plenty of danger on the Valley to keep you honest.
Part of Royal Portrush’s ‘Vision 2030’ is to create a world class golfing complex. This includes modifications on the Valley course comprising of new holes, greens, tee boxes, and fairway realignments.
The Dunluce links is a world class golf course and it plays the way links golf should be played; in front of you. The Valley course takes on the same principles but the dunes give it a tighter feel off the tee making accuracy a premium.
Having played both, I would say that the Valley is less forgiving off the tee while the Dunluce’s defence is the greens and the punishing swails that surround them.
There is plenty of risk reward on the Valley course with the 295-yard par-4 7th, named after local hero and 2010 US Open winner Graeme McDowell, the highlight of what is truly a magnificently redesigned front nine which features a stunning stretch of holes from 5-9.
The par-3s on the Valley are some of the best around. As the world gasps at the 300-yard par-3 at this year’s US Open at Oakmont, the Valley course is a reminder that par threes can be short, fun and boast a challenge at the same time.
In particular, the par-3 8th. Playing at less than 140 yards off the white markers. Looking down from a slightly elevated tee, the green is perched on top of a valley where if you come up short your ball will trickle down into a sandy abyss 60 yards short.
The back nine hasn’t had the same level of renovations carried out but in truth, very little needs to be done to what is a thrilling climax to a round of golf.
The par-3, par-4, par-5, par-3 finish is one which is rare in golf but also provides equal chances for both glory and disaster.
15 is a strong par-3 where you don’t dare miss left while 17 is an eagle chance off the tee but the fairway pinches in from the left for the longer hitters meaning they will have to flirt with the out of bounds on the right to reach prime position.
The approach to the green is a challenge. Sitting on top of a steep slope, leaving your ball short can have you in no mans land. I witnessed my playing partner take six stabs at trying to putt up the slope and onto the green.
Finishing holes as par-3s don’t usually come with any fanfare but this one does. A very strong closing hole where a par is hard earned with a hidden left bunker ready to gobble up any overly aggressive shots, yet a good shot will be rewarded.
Royal Portrush will always be known as an Open Championship venue but there is so much more to the club and it’s a message they are trying to send out.
With the Valley now ready to emerge from the shadows, Portrush is a golfing destination fit to rival anywhere on the island of Ireland.
Once only fit for a qualifying round for the North of Ireland Amateur Open Championship, the Valley’s potential is much greater now with a DP World Tour event and/or HotelPlanner Tour event surely fit for purpose if not a full hosting of an amateur event on its own.
Danny Campbell, General Manager of Royal Portrush, is excited by the potential of the reborn Valley links and believes that Portrush has the full package to become a world renowned golfing and hospitality destination.
“We’re blessed with some unbelievable golf courses on the island. We have an Open venue here, we have Royal County Down a few hours away and we have the Valley now here,” said Campbell.
“I think the investment into Portrush with the hotels, guest houses and restuarants shows the confidence from not just us but from investors that this is a place where you can invest money. We are all here to deliver an experience that people can remember.
“I think we have a destination in Portrush where we can attract people to stay longer, enjoy the restaurants, hospitality and the golf courses around here.”
Dr. Ian Kerr, Chairman of the Open Championship Committee sees the Valley as a potential venue for a tour event while he would love to see a Women’s or Men’s Amateur Championship come to Portrush so 36-hole qualifying could be held on both courses.
“Absolutely. Part of the whole thinking of trying to get two great 36-holes was if a Women’s or Men’s Amateur came here they could have the qualifying here whereas in the past one round has always had to go to Portstewart because the Valley has been too weak so absolutely it can now do both rounds,” said Kerr.”
The Valley Links: A course with huge potential and already a cert for at least a top-30 ranking in Ireland.
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