1 Night, 2 Rounds
Waterville Golf Links sits on the wild south-west tip of the Ring of Kerry, with the Atlantic on one side and the Kerry mountains on the other. Golf has been played here since 1889 by the teams working on the transatlantic cables, and the place found new momentum when a small group of devoted Irish-Americans took ownership and fell for it at first sight. Tom Fazio was brought in during that modern era, and the course you play today reflects his influence alongside changes made since the 1960s.
Out on the links it's a big, brooding test where position matters as much as power. You'll thread through towering dunes and tight corridors on firm, fast turf. With the wind behind you the ball runs forever, and when it turns the same hole can feel like a different one entirely. Pick smart targets, play the bounce and be ready to shape a few shots.
The pedigree is hard to argue with. Mark O'Meara and Tiger Woods used Waterville as their base before O'Meara's Open Championship win at Royal Birkdale, which tells you the standard of links golf on offer. It's remote, but that's the point. A round here feels like you've left everything else behind.
Pack for four seasons in one afternoon, and note that Killarney and Waterville village both make handy bases for the evenings. Your Golf Travel can build Waterville into a Kerry itinerary with accommodation and nearby links, while our Golf Travel Experts take care of tee times and the legwork.
Who is this for?
Golfers chasing bucket-list Irish links, groups planning a south-west Ireland road trip and anyone who wants top-class links golf in a knockout setting.
Who is it best for?
Confident golfers who love a links challenge, enjoy playing in the wind and want a round they'll still be talking about long after the trip ends.
1 Night, 2 Rounds
3 Nights, 2 Rounds
2 Nights, 2 Rounds
2 Nights, 2 Rounds
2 Nights, 2 Rounds
1 Night, 2 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
1 Night, 2 Rounds
2 Nights, 2 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
Eddie Hackett's original 1973 design has been re-mastered by the esteemed Tom Fazio, whose numerous projects have included involvement at The PGA National Resort in Florida, Osprey Point at Kiawah Island, and changes at Augusta National. The small promontory that plays host to Waterville is as natural a setting for a golf course as you can find. Almost totally surrounded by the sea, the course challenges visitors with its raw links character, owing to the natural undulations and firm, fast turf.
The indigenous gorse and whins have been strategically placed, and like the devilish pot bunkers, represent a formidable challenge throughout. Traditional seaside tactics are the ones that work best around Waterville; the merciless coastal winds and the firm greens demand that golfers can work the ball, while keeping it low is definitely advisable.
Considered by many to be one of the finest expanses of links golf land, the course is protected by stunning sand hills, especially those found on the back-nine, that are the match for any in the UK and Ireland. The 18th hole at Waterville provides one of golf's great views. With a tee box perched just metres from the sea and a hole that runs parallel along the beach, anyone favouring the right will find their round coming to a watery end.
Shortly before his, tragic death, the colourful Payne Stewart was named honorary Captain, such was his affinity with Waterville, and a bronze statue now commemorates the relationship. The warm welcome that all will receive in the comfortable clubhouse merely emphasises the quality of Waterville as a stop on any tour of Ireland's South West.
The quality of the links turf is such that many of the top professionals choose to hone their seaside skills at Waterville in preparation for the Open Championship. Past visitors include Tiger Woods, Mark O'Meara, Stuart Appleby, Ernie Els, and Jim Furyk.
Waterville Golf Links is ranked as one of the best courses in Ireland
| Par | 72 |
|---|---|
| Designed by | Eddie Hackett, Claude Harmon, Tom Fazio |
| Opened for play | 1889 with revisions 1973 and 1987 |
| Blue | 7,378 yards | Par 72 |
|---|---|---|
| White | 6,810 yards | Par 72 |
| Green | 6,330 yards | Par 72 |
| Red | 360 yards | Par 73 |
Chris
✓27 Jun 2026
Truly great course in awesome setting. One for the bucket list, but priced accordingly.
Mary Claire
✓23 Aug 2025
A good days golf. Everyone very helpful. Thank you Absolutely beautiful in sunshine and no wind.
Colin
✓20 Jun 2025
Impeccable and immaculate on and off the course. A complete pleasure to visit. Couldn’t be better.
Tim
✓8 Jun 2025
Wonderful course in a great location - hard to find fault. Love it!
Miles
✓24 May 2025
Stuart
✓19 Apr 2025
Dominic
✓19 Jun 2024
The best course we played on the trip. Overall feel of the Club was excellent and the course itself was gorgeous
Simon
✓14 Jun 2024
Windy - but fabulous. A tough, rugged experience
Kevin
✓20 May 2024
Fantastic
Stuart
✓29 Jun 2023
Wonderful experience .. up there with the best courses I have played. Staff very helpful and food excellent.
