The Brief
European Golf Design has undertaken a comprehensive review of Portstewart Golf Club’s three 18-hole courses—The Strand, Riverside, and Old Courses—located on Northern Ireland’s stunning northern coast. The objective is to enhance golf course strategy, playability, and safety, improve practice facilities, and upgrade pathways. This initiative forms part of a multi-phase project aimed at elevating the overall golfing experience at the club.
The Site
Portstewart Golf Club boasts an extraordinary setting, with its Strand course being the centerpiece. Renowned for its breathtaking dune landscape, The Strand is considered one of the most dramatic golf courses in the UK. However, the club also houses two other courses, Riverside and Old, as well as a practice range and pathways, all of which are integral to the project.
The Course
The Strand course is the highlight of the project, with improvements focused on its back nine holes, which currently lack the same visual and strategic appeal as the front nine. EGD’s work involves upgrading bunkering, remodelling greens with steep gradients, and ensuring that these holes align more closely with the striking character of the rest of the course. The project also includes long-term plans to reposition the practice range and develop a new short game practice facility. Additionally, significant enhancements are planned for the Riverside Course.
Status
EGD is actively collaborating with Portstewart Golf Club on the first phases of this ambitious, multi-phase project. The ongoing work on The Strand course is a priority, with further developments on the Riverside Course and practice facilities slated for future phases.
