St Patrick’s Links

Play golf at St Patrick’s Links, designed by Tom Doak, at Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Resort on Sheephaven Bay in County Donegal.
St Patrick’s Links opened in June 2021 and is Tom Doak’s first course in Ireland. He designed one 18-hole course on land big enough for two.
It is ranked #44 in the world by GOLF Magazine, #4 in Ireland by Golf Digest, and #13 in Great Britain & Ireland by GOLF Magazine.

St Patrick’s Links Layout and Design

Doak designed the course to make the most of the land’s dunes and sandy blowouts. The course is located south of the resort’s two other golf courses. Fairways are wide, but still feel like a classic links course. The course is playable, walkable and thoroughly enjoyable. Holes change direction frequently, so golfers play in different wind and light conditions.

Challenges on the St Patrick’s Links

St Patrick’s Links requires different types of shots. The winds from the Atlantic Ocean influence every club selection. Firm, fast turf nurtures the ground game, yet contours can redirect even well-struck balls. Blind or semi-blind shots appear on several holes, so players have to trust their aim and distance.

Hills make walking and choosing clubs more challenging. Large waste areas and natural bunkers make risky shots harder, while the undulating greens require careful reading and precise distance control.

The course is designed to be fun and offer choices, not just focus on distance.

Signature Moments

The par-4 14th doglegs along the water’s edge of Sheephaven Bay. Players can choose a safe route or try a riskier shot over the water.

The 16th hole is long and downhill, measuring up to 534 yards from the tips. It can be reached in two shots by players with a long drive. The tee shot is memorable.

Holes 9 to 11 have creative greens and strong slopes.

The 5th hole has one of Ireland’s most imposing blown-out bunkers.

Each hole is different, making no two shots feel the same.

Facilities and Resort

St Patrick’s Links is about three to four miles from the main Rosapenna Hotel and Golf Pavilion. Golfers check in at Links House. After playing, they can use the central Golf Pavilion, which has a pro shop, locker rooms, a bar, and a restaurant.

Guests can use the driving range, putting greens, and practice areas. Caddies, electric carts, hand-pulled carts, and golf buggies are available. There is also a 12-hole Academy course.

Hotel guests get better tee times and prices for all three golf courses. The 70-room hotel is comfortable, with many rooms offering views of the bay or golf course. Guests can eat at the Vardon Restaurant and Coach House Bar.

Hosted Tournaments and Events

St Patrick’s Links often hosts resort competitions. These include the Rosapenna Spring Links tournament, the Summer Solstice 54-hole challenge, and the Carr Golf Father & Daughter Invitational.

Local classics, like the Donegal GAA Golf Classic, also use the course. These tournaments show that the course is good for both serious and casual golfers who want to play traditional Irish links golf.

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St Patrick’s Links at Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Resort offers an authentic, high-ranking links experience. It combines natural terrain, strategic depth and the warm hospitality of Ireland’s oldest golf resort.