We played both courses in one day! What an experience. Daniel was our caddie for both rounds and we thoroughly enjoyed his direction and conversation. The weather was perfect for us and our playing partners were enjoyable. The courses need no review because it is hard to find something that hasn't been already said. The staff was very friendly and the food was very good. read more

65 degrees and sunny! Who would have thought! Lovely course. In great shape! Right along the ocean and a huge sandy beach. The course plays very long. And was a true delight. Fast greens! read more

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Considered one of the finest links courses in the world, Ballybunion's reputation grew over time. Unfortunately, its remote locale on the Irish coast has prevented the course from being selected for many top championship events. Still, a number of the world's best players have found their way to the famed course. One, in particular, has had a lasting impact. Tom Watson first visited Ballybunion in 1981 and has returned often. In 1995, he remodeled Ballybunion into the course that exists today.In 2005 Ballybunion was ranked by Golf Digest as the seventh best course in the world outside the United States. Bill Clinton visited the course in September 1998 and a statue commemorating his visit stands out front of the Garda station in Ballybunion. The course was also host to the Murphys Irish Open in 2000 and Palmer Cup in 2004 Challenge the corner of the cemetery on the first, and give new meaning to "do or die." Work your way out to the sea and the roller-coaster 11th, tumbling 3 tiers along the cliffs. Climb to the 17th tee, the tallest dune on the course, where a bench with "CTH" inscribed on it sits. This is in honor and memory of a popular deceased member who used to stand there and remark "this is the Closest to Heaven I'm ever going to get!" The Old Course is simply sensational, but there is even more to be experienced at Ballybunion, the many restaurants and pubs. It's also brilliant to come by the Club and have lunch or dinner and look out over the view of the course overlooking the Atlantic ocean... breathtaking! BTW, the golf course is NOT in Listowel; it is in Ballybunion. I am the first to review the course, however, the business was already listed. read more

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This is a beautiful Golf Course just outside the town of Ballybunion. Breathtaking views of the course & the beaches below. However the club itself appears dated & needs some updating in my opinion. Had a fun time here. read more

Ballybunion Golf Club - The view to the Atlantic - Sports Clubs Near Me - Listowel, Kentucky

Your caddy RUINED MY EXPERIENCE. Talked during my shots, blatantly walked in front of me while I tried to hit my ball. Literally picked up my ball on 4 holes because of his rudeness. Your caddy wasn't hired by my 2 some but he was golfing with us and should've had the decency of respect to not talk during every shot and be so obviously rude. Your way overcharging and your service is terrible. They had us as a 6some when we showed up so our tee time was way screwed up and we had to wait 30 mins to get in, (which was fine) but your hospitality is nothing like this country has been. It was rude uppity and all around a terrible ripoff and unwelcoming experience. Just because we didn't hire your caddy doesn't give him a right to treat us like peasants. It was wrong. This course is for status (to say you played it) I encourage anyone from the USA or Ireland to try a lesser known nicer friendlier course. Terribly disappointed. read more

Ballybunion Golf Club - Nice course, terrible caddy - Sports Clubs Near Me - Listowel, Kentucky

Absolutely stunning. The old course is everything you can ask for. Better be in the fairways or be a billy goat. Accuracy is key. Great views. Tuff course bring extra balls. read more

Ballybunion Golf Club - Sports Clubs Near Me - Listowel, Kentucky

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Great course. Toughest back 9 I've seen. Definitely put this course on your to do list. Great seafood chowder. A must have. read more

Having played many of the renowned US courses including Olympic Club, Pine Valley, Whistling Straits, Bandon Dunes, Pebble Beach, Spyglass and Pinehurst I can candidly report that this is the most challenging and epic golf experience of my life. I highly recommend a journey to Ballybunion to play the Old Course. Make a tee time well in advance! read more

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This course has to be on your playing list in Ireland. I never thought that sitting on a first tee, I would be worried about hitting a ball into a cemetery that is on the first fairway but I have to imagine that would be very bad luck. After traversing the first 5 holes that are somewhat average the course becomes just stunning. The back 9 has to be the best natural work of art by God that I have ever seen on a golf course. While the fairways are typical old school Europe golf(not green) I was in heaven. Hole after hole on the back nine is spectacular. After you finish, eating in the clubhouse is another amazing treat. Views down the 18th fairway with the Atlantic Ocean in the background. Food is great as well. read more

The Old Course is the finest links you will ever play. There is nothing comparable in the US - although Bandon Dunes/Pacific Dunes are both outstanding. Make sure to get a caddie when you play there, it really adds to the experience. Also, be sure to venture up to the "CTH" bench on the 17th tee - you will definitely feel Close To Heaven there. read more