Golf
Course Overview
Waterville Golf Links is laid out on an isthmus of natural dune-land, bordered on its western flank by the Wild Atlantic Ocean, its Northern boundary by the Inny river, its Eastern verge by the Inny Estuary, and on its Southern margin with native bogland. This unique site location ensures a complete and unspoilt visual and audible environment– affording a unique tranquillity that is unmatched in golf.
The towering dune-land, and the genial course layout, assures that each hole is set apart from one another, while the natural dune flora frames the fairways and greens with pictorial and sensory delight. The Irish Hare is our most noticeable inhabitant of the links, and sits proudly as our course emblem, but keep a look out for our many other inhabitants – there are over fifty different species of birds alone that inhabit or frequent the links on a regular basis.
The Links itself is an Eddie Hackett/Tom Fazio design – a par 72, championship course with five sets of tees, starting at 5370 yards, stretching all the way to almost 7350 yards. There is a course length for every standard of golfer, and the firm links turf, combined with natural sea-breezes, will inspire to create a full range of golf shots. The links comprises four Par 3’s, ten Par 4’s and four Par 5’s, with each hole meandering in a different direction through the dunes or along the boundaries. Each hole possesses its own collection of challenges and vistas, but what sets Waterville apart – there are no blind shots – what you see, is what you get…
To encourage the golfer to be fully prepared for the links, our warm-up facilities include a full-size practice range, three putting and chipping greens, and also, a dedicated practice putting green. The 9th hole comes back to the clubhouse, where light bites and refreshments can be ordered in our quaint Halfway House. Our friendly and efficient staff will ensure that you are quickly on your way – fed, watered and ready for the challenge of the back 9!
The 18th green also comes back to the amazing clubhouse, which has been extensively-renovated to include luxurious locker room facilities, and a 2500 square foot, fully-stocked golf shop, offering an extensive range of our hare-branded apparel. Upstairs, you will find the 1889 Bar & Restaurant, which has commanding views of the links and all the surrounding area from every seat. Our service team are as attentive as they are welcoming, and our commitment is to make a visit to our Links, memorable from the time of arrival, to the very last second of departure.
Course Guide
Hole by Hole
Last Easy
The optimum tee shot is one hit down the left side. This will leave you with a mid to long iron to a green that slopes slightly toward you.
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Christy’S Choice
A demanding par 4 that requires a solid drive down the left hand side in order to avoid the very deep fairway bunkers. The green is deceptively long, so make sure you take enough club on your approach.
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Sanctuary
The fairway bunker 260 yards out is an ideal line to fade your tee shot off. The green approach usually kicks left, so a brave second close to the water will be rewarded.
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Dunes
This green is deceptively long so take notice of the pin position. Beware of the hidden pot bunker which guards the back-right of the green.
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Tipperary
Two good hits down the right side of this generous fairway will leave you within mid to short iron distance from the green. Due to the up slope at the front of the green, a pitch and run style shot is often the best option for your approach.
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Inny Valley
A well struck mid iron to the left side of the green should keep a bogey or more off your card on this well protected par 3.
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Teacher
Stay well left of the very deep bunkers that protect the right side of the fairway. A drive to the widest part of this fairway will leave you a mid-iron to green which slopes from right to left and towards you.
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Hare
Keep your drive as close as you can to the left bunker. Anything right will leave you with a partially blind approach. Proceed with caution on your second as it always looks closer than it is.
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Prodigal
A drive down the left side will give you the best angle for your second shot. Take enough club to carry the bunkers and reach this elevated green. If you miss this one, miss it left…
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Red Breast
Another of Waterville’s difficult par 4’s. You really need a solid tee shot here. Negotiate the bottleneck and you will have a good chance at a well-earned par.
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Tranquility
Waterville’s most picturesque hole. It may be short in distance, but this beautiful monster has destroyed many a good scorecard. Aim left of the hut when teeing off and left again on your approach as the ball tends to kick to the right.
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Mass Hole
A hole that is steeped in history. Pay attention to the wind direction as you are hitting out of the dunes to an exposed green. Make sure you take enough club as being long is better than short.
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Meadow Lark
A good drive can take full advantage of the down-slope on the fairway. A strategically-placed second shot down the left side is key in offering the best chance of an up and down birdie.
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Judge
This hole is mostly uphill and normally into the wind. You need two good shots to reach this green. Flat ground between the top of the hill and the front of the green gives the impression that the approach is shorter than it actually is.
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Vale
A straight tee shot to the top of the hill leaves you in the best position for this demanding approach. Take plenty of club for this elevated green and try to keep it a little left.
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Liam’s Ace
Avoid going at the pin on this very elevated green, as finding the centre of this green is a good result.
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Mulcahy’s Peak
A hole that you will remember for its panoramic views and its demanding tee shot. Pay attention to the wind and avoid the left side.
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O’grady’s Beach
With heavy rough on your left and the ocean on your right, you really have to trust your golf swing. A brave second shot hit down the right side will give youthe best angle for your approach. Care must be taken to get on the right side of the flag on this very difficult green.
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Club House
2019 marks the completion of the 3 phase clubhouse renovation. The project included a major reconfiguration of the front entrance, dining and bar area, locker rooms and new golf shop. An extensive collection of old and new photographs, golf art and memorabilia enhance the ambiance created by the mixture of visitors with the local membership. The restaurant and bar features fresh seafood and the finest Irish cuisine by international chef, Rob O’Mahony. Whether you are dining or relaxing over the best pint in Kerry, the stunning view over the famed Waterville Golf Links, the idyllic setting of Ballinskelligs Bay will not disappoint.
Waterville House and Golf Links 2024
Waterville House and Golf Links 2024 Rates which we hope will be helpful to you planning your visit to Waterville.
Green Fee Main Season  (1st April – 31st October) –
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday €300
Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holidays €325
Green Fee Off Season (1st November – 31st December) –  Please contact our office for availability and rates
Full payment required at time of booking. We only accept credit cards by phone, and this payment is non-refundable.
Golf Carts
–
€50.00
Pull Carts
–
€5
Electric Trolleys
–
€25
Club Rental
–
€50
Yardage book
–
€5
Golf Lessons
–
Contact Golf Shop
Caddy Fees
Senior Caddies – Double
–
€200
Senior Caddies – Single
–
€100
Junior Caddies
–
€50
All of the above caddy rates are excluding gratuity. Please note we are happy to request caddies for your group, however, we cannot guarantee caddies.