Portrush, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
The Valley is a full-length championship golf course located at Royal Portrush in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Set on stunning natural seaside turf, the 18-hole course winds through the sheltered landscape of the War Hollow, a historic setting believed to be the site of an ancient battle around 1102.
The course presents a stern test of golf, demanding accuracy particularly on approach shots to small, cleverly positioned greens. Natural hazards and the demanding terrain characterize the layout, with several notable holes including War Hollow (Par 5), a dramatic hole played over a ridge into the valley, and the par-3 Saucer, reopened after nearly 100 years. The course features four recently redesigned holes that have been integrated into the routing.
The Valley hosts one of two qualifying rounds for the North of Ireland Open Championship annually. It has earned consistent acclaim, ranking among the top 40 golf courses in Ireland. The course is notably where professional golfer Graeme McDowell, a Ryder Cup hero and U.S. Open Champion, developed his championship-winning skills before achieving success on the world stage.
