Rosapenna Golf Resort

St Patrick’s Links — Tom Doak’s transformation of a former 36-hole property into a great Donegal journey

The course overlooks Sheephaven Bay near Downings, set on a vast property of high dunes and coastal plateaus. The routing ascends to very open viewpoints, descends towards the bay, then crosses gentler dunes on the back nine.

The St Patrick's site had seen several golf projects before lying dormant for a long time. Rosapenna took over the site and entrusted Tom Doak with the creation of a new course. Doak and his team did not restore the old layouts; instead, they utilized the entire property to compose eighteen new holes. St Patrick's opened in 2021.

Wide but strongly directional fairways, ground-accessible greens and large natural slopes create options rather than comfort. The routing moves from high dunes to Sheephaven Bay and back through gentler ground.

The course constantly changes in scale. Some holes traverse large dune valleys; others occupy exposed ridges above Sheephaven Bay. The greens feature vast surfaces but distinct receiving areas.

St Patrick's is part of a historic resort featuring three courses, a hotel, caddies, and complete facilities. However, it offers a great sense of freedom once you are out among the dunes.

The Round selects it as one of the most compelling examples of a contemporary links course: expansive, strategic, and deeply connected to the natural movement of the land.

Designed by Tom Doak and Renaissance Golf Design; opened in 2021; created on a former 36-hole property; third course at the Rosapenna resort.