Old Tom Morris Links
Overview
Explore the Old Tom Morris Links at Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Resort, the first golf course on Sheephaven Bay in County Donegal. Built in 1893 by Old Tom Morris of St. Andrews, a four-time Open Champion, this classic course has welcomed golfers for over 100 years. Its holes run along the coastal dunes beside the bay.
Layout of the Old Tom Morris Links
The 18-hole course combines the Strand Nine and the Valley Nine, measuring just under 7,000 yards from the championship tees.
In September 2009, the new Strand Nine, routed through low-lying dunes to the east of Sandy Hills Links, opened as the front nine. Designed by Pat Ruddy and later updated by Eric Iverson.
The back nine, the Valley Nine, follows the original coastal line along Tramore Beach overlooking Sheephaven Bay. These holes were first built by Old Tom Morris and later changed by Harry Vardon and James Braid (1906) and H.S. Colt (1912). This section has more dunes and great views of the bay. The original “Coastguard Holes” now form a separate nine-hole course near the practice area.
Together, the Strand and Valley nines create a blend of traditional and modern links holes. The course is easily walked and provides an ideal introduction to the Rosapenna experience.
Facilities at Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Resort
Both the Old Tom Morris Links and Sandy Hills Links start and finish at the Golf Pavilion, the main clubhouse. Here, you’ll find the pro shop, locker rooms, bar, and restaurant.
Practice areas include a full practice ground with covered bays and grass tees, a short-game area and putting greens. Caddies, buggies and electric trolleys are available. A 12-hole Academy course also starts and ends at the practice area.
Rosapenna Hotel has 70 bedrooms and is just 500 metres from the Pavilion. Many rooms look out over the golf course or Sheephaven Bay. The hotel also has the Vardon Restaurant and Coach House Bar.
Hosted Tournaments at Old Tom Morris Links
The Old Tom Morris Links hosted the Irish Legends Senior Tour events in 2021 and 2022. The course is also used for the resort’s popular amateur tournaments, such as the Mulroy Links Tournament, Golf & The Good Life Classic, and Spring Links. Other events take turns across Old Tom Morris Links, Sandy Hills Links, and St Patrick’s Links.
Book Now
Whether you want a traditional links challenge or a place to start your golf holiday in Ireland, the Old Tom Morris Links at Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Resort offers lasting quality. Book your game today and enjoy the course that has brought golfers to this part of the Wild Atlantic Way for over 130 years.
