Waterville Golf Links

Waterville Golf Links is one of golf's great hidden masterpieces — a remote, wind-swept links on the Iveragh Peninsula that has captivated visitors since its modern layout was established in the 1970s. Set between the Atlantic Ocean and Ballinskelligs Bay, with the MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountains visible to the north and east, the setting is among the most scenically dramatic in world golf. The course stretches to 7,225 yards from the championship tees at a par of 72.

The modern Waterville layout owes much to Club Captain John A. Mulcahy, an Irish-American businessman who purchased the club in 1972 and commissioned American architect Eddie Hackett to create a championship layout from the raw links terrain. Hackett's routing, later refined by Tom Fazio, produced a course of genuine world class — one that ranked in the global top 30 for many years and continues to draw pilgrims from across the golfing world. The 17th hole, 'Mulcahy's Peak', is particularly celebrated — a par-3 playing to a hilltop green with 360-degree coastal views.

Waterville was a favourite haunt of Payne Stewart, Tiger Woods and Sergio Garcia during the American PGA Tour's pre-Open Ireland trips, cementing its reputation among the world's elite golfers. Visitors are warmly welcomed throughout the season, with green fees of €195–€250. The adjacent Butler Arms Hotel has hosted generations of golf tourists and remains the natural base for a Waterville stay. No handicap certificate is required for most visitor slots.