Will always look at Portrush as the place I knew I should propose to my now-wife. Took our first big trip together to Ireland, flying into Belfast before turning north and driving around the island. Asked if our first stop from Belfast could be Portrush (I didn't dare ask to bring my clubs on this trip). And while I didn't get out on the course, I knew that if she was willing to fly 6 hours, hop in a car, and make our first stop a golf course, she was a keeper.Now to somehow get back over there for several rounds of golf. Maybe an anniversary trip, perhaps.

I want to go to Ireland next summer to see the Walker Cup at Lahinch. I would love to play some golf while there. In 2026, Portrush's Dunluce Links green fee is £420 ($570 US) -- if you can get a tee time. Their Valley Links course is ONLY £200 ($270 US). I don't need to play the best courses in the world, I just want to play some fun Irish courses that the Irish play. Can you suggest some?

Heading to Ireland/Northern Ireland next month for the first time (two weeks following the Open). Will be basically all over the entire island. Any non-golf suggestions/recommendations? Pubs, restaurants, etc.? Thanks!

Played this one a few days ago. Very fun and playable course akin to a DMK design imo. Got big Gamble Sands vibes. It’s more walkable than the previous iteration of the course, but it’s no picnic. There are some serious hills to navigate. The routing is pretty clunky on the back nine, particularly the interchange between 13 and 14 and 17 and 18. It will be ever better at the course matures and will hopefully play firm and fast for years to come. 0-1 egg in my eyes, but well worth a visit.

Having never played golf over there... are there any characteristics or features that Irish links courses tend to possess that you don't see on Scottish or English links?

Top 5 courses that could/should host an Open In all of Ireland?

Oakmont:  B+ - Weather lowered the ceiling and the challenge they prepared the golf course to present could not materialize with that forecast.

Pinehurst #2:  A - Last year was one we’ll see on highlight reels forever.  With all their chomps at the hosting apple, I think they’ll continue to dial the entire experience in.

LA North:  C - Wanted to love it, would love to see the property and believe the course is all world.  That said, the member guest vibe and third rate champion diminished its potential.

Torrey South:  F - Great champion and epic close by Rahm, but we see it plenty and it should never host again unless the whole property is overhauled to make use of the epic coast line and take the Jones patina off of it.

Winged Foot:  C - Hosting in the fall didn’t help them any, but their grade ceiling might be lower than the membership and history might think if distance remains unchecked.

Pebble:  C - Woodland and Brooks dueling was great theater, but until they take their championship course presentation seriously enough to restore their golf course, this will always be a what could be.

Shinnecock:  B+ - This is the other contender for setting the curve.  When they get the right weather and presentation, it can be the best.  2018 didn’t quite have the right alchemy.

Hey FEGC, do we have a connection to play Kittansett? I will be up in the Cape Cod Area end of July and would love to get out there to see this classic course! Willing to pay of course! Let me know, thanks!

just played Dunbar a week ago and it was very enjoyable. Our caddies were all members and they really enjoy helping you score well. The wall which should be benign really comes into play when the wind is blowing from the SE as it was in our round.7-16 are the best holes.Great fun.

Wonderful write up, Matt, and great photos. The M and E work there kind of stinks, in my opinion. The 2nd hole isn't good for normal (non Open) players, and the 7th and 8th holes add length but have no soul. The 4th, 5th, and 6th are amazing holes on the front side though. While everyone talks about 5/6, I thought the back nine was exceptional. Great hole after great hole. Calamity has to be seen in person to be believed. Also, if you are visiting for the first time, the Seafood Chowder (served with Guinness bread) in the upstairs bar is a word-class elite golf lunch! One of my favorite comments in The Confidential Guide was when Tom Doak called the Valley Course at Portrush the hot little sister" - Ha! He is right - the Valley is amazing and shouldn't be missed if you visit."