Information Density: Lahinch Golf Club – Signal Evidence & AI Readability

Lahinch Golf Club
Welcome to
Visitor Booking

Member Booking

[H3]
Lahinch will make the finest and most popular golf course that I, or I believe anyone else, ever constructed

[H4]
- Dr. Alistair MacKenzie

Proud Host of the 2026 Walker Cup

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Old Course

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Often referred to as the St Andrews of Ireland, the Old Course is one of the superior sites in all of golf.

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Heritage & History

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The first game of golf in Lahinch was played on Good Friday 15th April 1892

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Community

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Famous throughout the world of golf since the 1890’s, Lahinch is a small seaside village on the Atlantic coast.

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The Academy

[H5]
The Performance Academy at Lahinch is one of the best golf training facilities in the world

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[H3]
Lahinch is the finest natural links course that I have ever seen

[H4]
- Old Tom Morris

[IMG: Old Tom Morris]

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Old Tom Morris

In 1894, Old Tom Morris was commissioned to make full use of the natural links terrain, especially the giant sand dunes at Lahinch. Old Tom believed that Lahinch was the finest natural links course that he had seen. Two of Morris’s creations were the famous Klondyke (4th) & Dell (5th) holes, which are still in play today. These iconic holes continue to be the most memorable talking points for first time visitors to Lahinch and are seen locally as fitting tributes to the great Scotsman.

Course Architects >

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Restaurant

An extensive daytime & evening dinner menu is available at The South Bar & Restaurant

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Clubhouse

Members and guests can avail of our locker room facilities with day lockers available to all.

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Our Caddies

The Club requires visitors playing the Old Course to take at least one caddie in the group.

golf_course

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Green Fees

Lahinch Golf Club welcomes visitor play between May and October.

[H3] Green Fees
27th April 2026 to 16th October 2026 Old Course Castle CourseMonday to Sunday€450€60
[H4] Club Hire
Taylormade and Titleist clubs are available from the Golf Shop at €75.00 per set. Our rental sets are the latest models and are updated on an annual basis.
[H4] Buggies
The Old Course & Castle Course are both walking courses and golf carts/buggies are not available for hire.
[H4] Caddies
The Club requires visitors playing the Old Course to take at least one caddie in the group. If caddies are not pre-booked, the Club will arrange for a minimum of one fore-caddie to accompany each group.
[H4] Terms & Conditions
Please click here to read the terms and conditions.

[H3] Course Overview
[H6] It has been described as ‘The St Andrews of Ireland’ and many other complimentary titles.
Those who know and love the place firmly believe that Lahinch Golf Club doesn’t need comparison with any of the game’s other world class venues. From the infant days back in 1892 up to today, the Club has stood out on its own merits as a golfing institution like none other.Lahinch Golf Club is renowned for the way the links has retained all of its old virtues. It has benefited from the willingness, over the decades, to move with the times and is now regarded as one of the best and most enjoyable challenges to be found anywhere in the golfing world. The legendary Old Tom Morris set the highest standards for the course from the outset. He was followed by equally celebrated architects Charles ‘Mo’ Gibson and Dr Alister MacKenzie. In more recent times, the expertise of Dr Martin Hawtree ensures its place in the higher echelons of all golf rankings.Lahinch is a key destination on the Wild Atlantic Way, on the edge of the Burren National Park (UNESCO recognised Global and European Geopark) and only 10km from one of the world’s great natural wonders, the Cliffs of Moher.

[H3] Course Architects
Lahinch has worked with some of the games outstanding designers from its inception through to modern times; Old Tom Morris, Dr. Alister MacKenzie and Dr. Martin Hawtree.All the Lahinch architects were initially struck by the awesome links land put at their disposal and to their credit, each and every one took full advantage to create a succession of golf holes of the highest quality.The course continues with gem after gem running in ever changing directions through awesome dunes and valleys, humps and hollows. Read More >

[H2] Course Guide

[H5]
Hole 1 : MacKenzie : Par 4

A tee shot to the right side of the fairway opens up the green for the
approach shot. The second shot plays uphill so an extra half a club will
be required. The green complex slopes from the back left to front right.
Avoid the bunkers short right at all cost!
Yardage: 381
Handicap: 8
Yardage: 373
Handicap: 8
Yardage: 363
Handicap: 8
Yardage: 344
Handicap: 3

[H5]
Hole Flyover

[H5]
Hole 2 : Village : Par 5

The ideal tee shot is a slight draw off the bunkers on the right side of the fairway. The second shot, if going for the green in two, should be aimed at the left half of the green to avoid bunker trouble. If playing as a three-shot hole, the second shot should be played at the left side of the fairway to open up the green.
Yardage: 534
Handicap: 14
Yardage: 523
Handicap: 14
Yardage: 510
Handicap: 14
Yardage: 484
Handicap: 7

[H5]
Hole Flyover

[H5]
Hole 3 : Cillstifiann: Par 4/5

To put the ball in prime position, the tee shot should be aimed 10
yards to the right of the hill guarding the entrance to the fairway
on the left. Club selection is imperative from the tee with the fairway
running out at 267 yards from the white tee and 222 yards from the
Red tee. The approach shot should be aimed for the front right portion
of the green, as missing short left or long of the green will leave an
extremely tough up and down.
Yardage: 446
Handicap: 4
Yardage: 418
Handicap: 4
Yardage: 401
Handicap: 4
Yardage: 374
Handicap: 11

[H5]
Hole Flyover

[H5]
Hole 4 : Klondyke : Par 5

The tee shot on the famous Klondyke, should be aimed at the right halfof the fairway to allow the natural contouring to bring the ball back tothe centre. For the approach shot, aim for the “V” in the Klondyke Hilland take a club less to allow for the fairway sloping towards the green.Yardage: 475Handicap: 18Yardage: 472Handicap: 18 Yardage: 463Handicap: 18Yardage: 423Handicap: 9
[H5]
Hole Flyover

[H5]
Hole 5 : Dell : Par 3

The famous Dell requires a precise tee shot to clear the dune guarding
the front of the green. Aim for the white stone on the hill which will
mark the pin position on the day and trust your distance!
Yardage: 154
Handicap: 16
Yardage: 148
Handicap: 16
Yardage: 143
Handicap: 16
Yardage: 118
Handicap: 15

[H5]
Hole Flyover

[H5]
Hole 6 : Paradise : Par 4

A shot to the right side of the fairway, will give the best angle for
the difficult approach shot to the well-guarded green. The run out at
270 yards from the white tee and 189 yards from the Red tee must
be taken into account with your club selection from the tee. The ideal
second shot would favour the left half of the green.
Yardage: 424
Handicap: 2
Yardage: 412
Handicap: 2
Yardage: 393
Handicap: 2
Yardage: 331
Handicap: 1

[H5]
Hole Flyover

[H5]
Hole 7 : Blind Hookey : Par 4

The tee shot should be kept simple and aimed for the middle of the
fairway. Club selection from the tee needs to be taken into account as
the fairway runs out at 273 yards from the white tee. An approach
shot favouring the back-right portion of the green is preferred to avoid
the danger short of the green.
Yardage: 411
Handicap: 6
Yardage: 366
Handicap: 6
Yardage: 349
Handicap: 6
Yardage: 295
Handicap: 5

[H5]
Hole Flyover

[H5]
Hole 8 : Crater : Par 3

A Par 3, which plays slightly uphill so an extra half club is advised.
The green contours to the left and the right side of the green should be
favoured.
Yardage: 166
Handicap: 12
Yardage: 156
Handicap: 12
Yardage: 147
Handicap: 12
Yardage: 128
Handicap: 13

[H5]
Hole Flyover

[H5]
Hole 9 : Burke’s Corner : Par 4

A tee shot to the left half of the fairway makes almost any pin position
accessible for the approach shot. Aim for the right portion of the green
to allow for the sever slope from right to left. Beware of the false front
on this green, but equally be aware that it is 56 yards deep.
Yardage: 400
Handicap: 10
Yardage: 391
Handicap: 10
Yardage: 355
Handicap: 10
Yardage: 245
Handicap: 17

[H5]
Hole Flyover

[H5]
Hole 10 : Goats : Par 4

A tee shot with a right to left shape to follow the natural flow of the
hole is advised. For the second shot an extra club is recommended to
navigate the well protected front of the green.
Yardage: 441
Handicap: 3
Yardage: 424
Handicap: 3
Yardage: 403
Handicap: 3
Yardage: 362
Handicap: 2

[H5]
Hole Flyover

[H5]
Hole 11 : Liscannor : Par 4

Playing half a club downhill to a green which is well protected. There
is no bail out on this shot so the best strategy is to say a prayer to the
golfing Gods!
Yardage: 170
Handicap: 13
Yardage: 156
Handicap: 13
Yardage: 141
Handicap: 13
Yardage: 105
Handicap: 18

[H5]
Hole Flyover

[H5]
Hole 12 : Castle : Par 5

The line from the tee is 10 yards to the right of the Dough Castle in
the distance. From the Red tee aim at Dough Castle in the distance. A
good tee shot puts the green in range for the long hitter but threading
the bunkers will be tough to set up an eagle opportunity. If playing as
a three-shot hole, a lay up to the right side of the fairway will open
the green for the approach shot. Don’t go left!
Yardage: 577
Handicap: 9
Yardage: 514
Handicap: 9
Yardage: 494
Handicap: 9
Yardage: 460
Handicap: 6

[H5]
Hole Flyover

[H5]
Hole 13 : Mine : Par 4

A faded tee shot aimed at the left half of the green will give the best
chance of hitting this drivable Par 4. If you are unable to reach the
green, a lay up to the left half of the fairway will leave the easier
approach shot to a small green.
Yardage: 334
Handicap: 17
Yardage: 267
Handicap: 17
Yardage: 250
Handicap: 17
Yardage: 230
Handicap: 12

[H5]
Hole Flyover

[H5]
Hole 14 : Twins : Par 4/5

From the tee, a low draw off the bunker on the right will give you
maximum distance and will set up a shorter shot to this long par four.
If you can’t reach this green in two shots, it is advised to lay up short
of the mounds guarding the approach.
Yardage: 461
Handicap: 5
Yardage: 451
Handicap: 5
Yardage: 429
Handicap: 5
Yardage: 429
Handicap: 10

[H5]
Hole Flyover

[H5]
Hole 15 : Brud’s Vision : Par 4/5

Index 1 and for good reason on this demanding Par 4! An ideal tee
shot is just right of the well positioned bunker on the left side of
the fairway. This will open up the safer left side of the green for the
approach shot.
Yardage: 466
Handicap: 1
Yardage: 439
Handicap: 1
Yardage: 428
Handicap: 1
Yardage: 374
Handicap: 16

[H5]
Hole Flyover

[H5]
Hole 16 : Old Tom : Par 3

The safest shot on this tricky par three is towards the front left portion
of the green. The green slopes from left to right and any miss hit
towards the right side of the green can gather into the bunker.
Yardage: 195
Handicap: 11
Yardage: 192
Handicap: 11
Yardage: 175
Handicap: 11
Yardage: 128
Handicap: 14

[H5]
Hole Flyover

[H5]
Hole 17 : Pons Asinorum : Par 4

A tee shot favouring the left side of a split fairway, will leave a second
shot were the centre of the green is the place to be.
Yardage: 467
Handicap: 7
Yardage: 408
Handicap: 7
Yardage: 398
Handicap: 7
Yardage: 318
Handicap: 8

[H5]
Hole Flyover

[H5]
Hole 18 : Shaw : Par 5/4

A straight drive is required, staying as close to the right edge of the
fairway as possible. From the Red tee, the big hitter can aim for
the left side of the clubhouse. Any tee shot left of centre can gather
towards the bunkers on the left side. The second shot requires a
decision to either, attack the green or to lay up short. If laying up, the
left side of the fairway sets up the easiest approach shot to the green.
Yardage: 564
Handicap: 15
Yardage: 503
Handicap: 15
Yardage: 497
Handicap: 15
Yardage: 354
Handicap: 4

[H5]
Hole Flyover

[H3] Back Nine

[H3] Scorecard & Rating
CourseParLengthCourse RatingSlope RatingBlue72706674.7138White72661373.2132Green72631571.8130Red74550273.9131

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[H3] Caddies
Lahinch is a classic seaside links golf course and players are asked to enjoy their game by walking the course. The Club requires visitors playing the Old Course to take at least one caddie in the group. If caddies are not pre-booked, the Club will arrange for a minimum of one forecaddie to accompany each group.Full of fun, wit and wisdom but forever dedicated to the job, the Lahinch caddies are professionally trained and well informed on the history and folklore of the Club. They continue to remain an essential element of the Lahinch ‘golfing experience’ and add greatly to the pleasure of a round on the Old course.On one occasion as a golfer insisted on a wedge for his second shot at the par 4 6th hole, he asked his caddie ‘was he sure he’d reach the green, with that club‘? The gentle response came, ‘eventually.’ Read More >

[IMG: Alexander Shaw, Club Founder]

1892 - 1920
[H3] The Early Years
In March 1892 Alexander Shaw, Richard Plummer and a number of officers from the Black Watch Regiment of the British Army went to the west coast of Clare in search of sand dunes that would be suitable for the development of a golf course. They discovered Lahinch and during a second visit in early April, laid out a links golf course. The first game of golf was played at Lahinch on Good Friday 15th April 1892.
In 1894 Alexander Shaw invited Old Tom Morris, the celebrated Scottish golfer, to design a new links golf course. Old Tom Morris placed great emphasis on the sandhills side of the links. He said Lahinch was “the finest natural course he had ever seen”.
Read More

1921 -1950
[H3] New 18 Holes and Clubhouse
In 1926 the services of world renowned Golf Course Architect Dr. Alister MacKenzie were sought and plans for a new 18 hole course were agreed. In his report to the Committee, Dr. MacKenzie stated that, “Lahinch will make the finest and most popular golf course that I, or I believe anyone else, ever constructed.”
A new Clubhouse was built in the 1940s’. The 2nd World War also saw a drop in the number of visitors coming to the Club but, once again, the Club survived. Careful nurturing of the links golf course ensured the enduring attraction of Lahinch to its members and visiting golfers.
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1950 – 1984
[H3] Development of 18 hole Castle Course
Enormous changes at the Club including the construction of the 1st 9 holes on the Castle Course and major renovations on the clubhouse.
There was huge growth in the number of visitors coming to play Lahinch, in particular overseas visitors.
John D. Harris, a renowned golf architect developed the plans for a new Castle Course in 1961. In his report to the Committee he stated; “the 9 hole course was constructed in 1963. After a lull of thirty five years, golf was back on the Corcass”. It was extended to an 18 hole golf links course in 1975.
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1985 - Present
[H3] Centenary and the future
In 1992 the Club celebrated the centenary of its foundation with a special Centenary Dinner. Guest of honour was Joe Carr, Captain of the R&A and one of the legendary figures of Irish amateur golf.
In the last decade of the 20th century new challenges faced Lahinch Golf Club. In redesigning the course, the sand dunes closer to the Atlantic Ocean were utilised and, in all, 14 greens were redesigned introducing wonderful undulations making putting a fine art.
The redesigned course has met with wide acclaim and is consistently ranked in the World Top 50 courses.
Read More

2019 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open
The 2019 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open was a significant milestone for Lahinch Golf Club. Held from July 4-7, the tournament brought 27 of the world’s top 50 golfers to the club’s historic links course.The event saw Jon Rahm claim victory, securing his second Irish Open title with a superb final-round performance. Rahm shot a flawless 62 on the final day, which included eight birdies and an eagle, to win by two strokes. His 16-under-par total of 264 was enough to hold off a strong challenge from England’s Andy Sullivan and Austria’s Bernd Wiesberger. Rahm’s victory was a testament to his skill and composure, and it added to the excitement and prestige of the event, which was watched by a sellout crowd on-site and millions across the globe. While the course presented a formidable challenge for the players, it also highlighted the unique character of Lahinch, which is known as one of the best links courses in the world.The 2019 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open was also notable for its community atmosphere and the level of local support. The people of Lahinch, and the surrounding areas turned out in large numbers to support the event, creating a festival for players and fans alike. The tournament helped to further cement Lahinch’s reputation as a world-class golfing destination and highlighted the club’s commitment to promoting the sport at all levels.In addition to Jon Rahm’s victory, the event featured several Ryder Cup stalwarts in M. Kaymer, T. Fleetwood, L. Westwood, I. Poulter, P. Harrington, D. Clarke, T Hatton, T. Bjorn and G. McDowell, who gave the crowd plenty to cheer about.Overall, the 2019 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open was a memorable and successful week for Lahinch Golf Club, the players, and the fans, further enhancing the legacy of an iconic course and solidifying its place in the world of professional golf to support it’s already storied amateur legacy.

2024 Arnold Palmer Cup
The 2024 Arnold Palmer Cup at Lahinch Golf Club was a landmark event for both the club and the tournament, bringing one of the World’s most prestigious amateur team competitions to the heart of Ireland’s west coast once again. Held from July 1-7, 2024, this Ryder Cup-style event saw the best men and women collegiate golfers from the USA face off against a talented International Team, representing players from across the globe outside the U.S. The competition was particularly significant for Lahinch, as it provided a stage for the next generation of golf stars to showcase their talents on one of the world’s most iconic links courses. Lahinch has long been a favourite among golfers, and hosting the Arnold Palmer Cup added another prestigious chapter to its amateur golf DNA.The match was fiercely contested across four days of competition, with Team USA emerging victorious, defeating the International Team by a final score of 32.5 to 27.5. A number of rising stars made a mark during the event, with standout performances from both teams. The final result, however, showcased Team USA’s depth and resilience as they closed out the competition.The event was a celebration not only of golf but also of the legacy of Arnold Palmer, whose contributions to the sport are commemorated through this unique competition. With both men and women competing alongside each other, the tournament exemplified the growing role of women in golf and the sport’s future. Among the standout performers were USA’s Gordon Sargent and Rachel Keuhn, as well as the International Team’s Josele Ballester and Sara Byrne.So far the winners of the Men’s US Amateur (Josele Ballester), Men’s Amateur Championship (Jacob Skov Olesen), Latin America Amateur Championship (Santiago De La Fuente) and Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (Wenyi Ding) were represented, along with 5 Walker Cup players from 2023 (Calum Scott, Ben James, David Ford, Gordon Sargent, Preston Summerhayes). On the Women’s side, the winners of the European Ladies’ Amateur Championship (Louise Rydqvist), Women’s Amateur Championship (Melanie Green), Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship (Anna Davis), NCAA D1 Women’s Championship (Adela Cernousek) were represented along with 7 Curtis Cup players from 2024 (Sara Byrne, Hannah Darling, Zoe Campos, Anna Davis, Melanie Green, Rachel Kuehn, Catherine Park)A full list of players can be found by clicking here.

The Ladies of Lahinch
Ladies were to the forefront of golf at Lahinch since the foundation of the Club. Weekend’s of competitive golf in the 1890’s featured special competitions for the ladies. Miss E. McDonnell was the most skilled lady golfer at the Club in the early years while Miss Walker Leigh was elected as the first Lady Captain of the Club.In 1904 Lahinch Golf Club hosted the Irish Ladies’ Championship for the first time. The Clare Journal of 7th June 1904 described the championship in the following manner: “The links now are at their best. There was brilliant sunshine as play opened on Monday. The three Miss Hezlets from Portrush were a great attraction”. That championship was won by Miss May Hezlet whose handicap at one stage was plus 6. Lahinch has remained at the forefront of Irish Ladies golf ever since and has hosted the Irish Ladies’ Championship on eleven occasions.Nancy Connole from Parliament St., Ennistymon was Honorary Secretary of the Ladies Section from 1947 to 2007. She was a wonderful administrator and made a marvellous contribution to the promotion of ladies golf at Lahinch. Two other Ennistymon ladies, Nan Ahern and Eileen Roughan, were great competitors at the Club from the 1940’s through to the 1960’s.On the playing front, the ladies won the Munster Senior Cup on eight occasions. Their first success came in 1946 with their most recent victory in 2015. Down through the years, Eithne O’Brien (nee McCarron) was a member of a number of the successful teams, winning in six different decades at the Club.

Dough Castle
[IMG: Dough Castle]
Dough CastleDough Castle (1306) provides a wonderful backdrop to 7th hole on the Castle Course. Originally founded by the O’Connor’s in 1306, its old name “Dumhach Ui Chonchuir” translates as O’Connor’s Sandbank and it was an O’Connor stronghold until they were ousted by the O’Brien’s in the days of Queen Elizabeth 1.Reference to the Castle dates back to 1422 but the present ruin was built after that time. By 1584 the Castle was held by Sir Donal O’Brien’s family. In 1654, Colonel Stubber, a Cromwellian Officer, saved the Castle from the “Commissioners for overthrowing and demolishing Castles in Connaught and Clare”. It was described in 1675 as a tall battlemented tower with a two-storied dwelling house attached to one side.The present ruin is the result of poor foundations (mainly sand) rather than the ravages of war. The building collapsed at various times, mainly during the nineteenth century. Only one wall now remains of Dough Castle. The sand-hills are supposed to be the haunt of Donn Dumhach, the Fairy King, and the sand-hill near the bridge, known as Crughaneer, is also supposed to be haunted.In 1990, following an invitation from the Men’s Committee, lady golfers became full members of the Club and the Club is now governed by a Council with representation from both the Men’s and Ladies’ Committees.The Ladies section attracts members from all parts of Ireland and from overseas. The common bond is a love of Lahinch Golf Club and lady members’ return, year after year, to enjoy the wonderful facilities at the Club.

The Greats
The Worlds’ Best Have Played At LahinchOver the years Lahinch Golf Club has welcomed many of the greatest players in the world.Click here to view some of the Major winners who have played our course.

[H4] Full of fun, wit and wisdom but forever dedicated to the job – that has always been the way of the Lahinch caddie, without whom the game in this golfing paradise would never be quite the same.
Our caddies are an integral part of the Club and a large number became very fine players in their own right. Their deep knowledge is much appreciated by the many visitors who might otherwise find the links something of a mystery.Lahinch is a classic seaside links golf course and players are asked to enjoy their game by walking the course.The Club requires visitors playing the Old Course to take at least one caddie in the group.If caddies are not pre-booked, the Club will arrange for a minimum of one forecaddie to accompany each group.Feedback on caddie performance is welcomed and can be directed to the Caddiemaster or Operations Manager.Pull carts are available to hire at €5 each while a limited number of battery operated trolleys are available at €30 each. Pre-booking is essential.
[H5] Caddie Fees
Senior Caddie, 1 bag – €100Senior Caddie, Double bag – €160Forecaddie €40 per golfer (minimum 3 golfers)

[H3] Walker Cup 2026 at Lahinch Golf Club
We are proud to host the 2026 Walker Cup – one of the most prestigious team events in amateur golf.This historic match between the best amateur golfers from Great Britain & Ireland and the United States will take place here in Lahinch on 5th & 6th September 2026.
[H3] Tickets on sale now
[H4] Tickets are now on sale for the 51st Walker Cup, which will be played on 5 and 6 September 2026.
Tickets must be pre-purchased with an early bird offer available on the first 500 weekend tickets sold. Prices start at €40 for a single day ticket or €70 covering both Saturday and Sunday. Click here to purchase tickets
[H4] Stay Updated
Follow us on social media and check back here for the latest news and updates as we prepare for this unforgettable event.

[IMG: Rory - Speaks on the 2026 Walker Cup coming to Lahinch Golf Club]