County Sligo Golf Club

County Sligo — the Rosses Point links where Harry Colt organises the wind beneath Benbulben

The course occupies the Rosses Point peninsula, at the entrance to Sligo Bay. Benbulben dominates the landscape to the north, while Knocknarea, the Ox Mountains, the estuary, and the beaches surround the site.

County Sligo Golf Club was founded in 1894 at Rosses Point. George Combe designed the initial nine holes, William Campbell extended the course to eighteen at the beginning of the 20th century, and then Harry Colt undertook the transformation that gave the course its championship identity. Martin Hawtree and Pat Ruddy later worked on several holes.

Colt utilized a topography of plateaus, slopes, and dunes rather than deeply sunken fairways. Bunkers and successive orientations make the wind the primary strategic driver. Greens are often accessible from a specific side of the fairway.

The first holes climb towards the heights before several downhill tee shots. The course then crosses more open and coastal areas, with a succession of very different views. The varied terrain distinguishes Rosses Point from many flatter links courses.

The club has a strong amateur championship culture and has hosted the West of Ireland Amateur Open since 1923. The clubhouse and the village of Rosses Point give the visit a sporting and local identity.

Club founded in 1894; first holes by George Combe; extended by William Campbell; championship identity shaped by Harry Colt; historic host of the West of Ireland Amateur Open.

West of Ireland Amateur Open Championship; Open Festival of Golf