Golf fans around the world are counting down to The Open Championship’s return to Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland. The Dunluce Links is one of golf’s most breathtaking tests—and the inspiration for our hand-drawn map shirt celebrating its iconic seaside holes.
As players battle for the Claret Jug on this rugged stretch of coastline, here are five things you can expect to see from the pros tackling Dunluce Links.
1. Dramatic Coastal Winds and Weather
First and foremost, this is classic links golf. The Dunluce Links sits hard against the Atlantic Ocean, completely exposed to the elements.
You can bet the weather will change by the hour—brisk coastal winds, sudden rain squalls, and cool, damp air all test a player’s patience and creativity.
What to watch for:
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Pros using low, bump-and-run shots.
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Club selection drama (a 6-iron one day, an 8-iron the next).
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The caddies earning their keep with smart wind reads.
2. Ruthlessly Placed Pot Bunkers
Royal Portrush is famous for its deep, revetted pot bunkers that line fairways and guard greens. Unlike softer resort courses, there’s no easy out if you’re in one.
What to watch for:
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Perfectly executed fairway bunker shots.
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Players laying back off the tee to avoid trouble.
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The risk/reward choices on aggressive lines vs. safe plays.
It’s these small, devastating mistakes that can turn a championship bid on its head.
3. Precision Off the Tee
While Dunluce is scenic, it’s no pushover. Narrow fairways wind between dunes and gorse, with many tee shots demanding shape and placement over brute strength.
Bomb-and-gouge strategies don’t fly here.
What to watch for:
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Players using irons and fairway woods off tees.
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Fading or drawing shots to hold the wind.
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Strategic positioning for the best angles into greens.
The pros who can think their way around will separate themselves.
4. The Infamous “Calamity Corner”
Perhaps the most famous hole on the Dunluce Links is the 16th—nicknamed Calamity Corner.
It’s a long par-3 (often playing over 230 yards) that demands a precise shot over a vast chasm of rough and scrub. Miss short or right and you’re in big trouble.
What to watch for:
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High-pressure swings late in the round.
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Wind gusts making club selection brutal.
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Potential for big numbers derailing a contender’s hopes.
When the championship is on the line, Calamity can live up to its name.
5. Creative Short Game Masterclass
Links golf always rewards the best short-game artists, and Dunluce is no exception.
Firm, undulating greens; tight lies; and unpredictable bounces make straightforward chip shots rare.
What to watch for:
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Players using putters from 30 yards off the green.
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Low runners, flop shots, and creative escapes.
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Recovery brilliance saving crucial pars.
Fans who appreciate finesse will love watching pros navigate these unique challenges.
Bonus: The Setting Itself
Royal Portrush is simply stunning. Expect plenty of drone shots of the rugged coastline, the iconic white cliffs of Northern Ireland, and the emerald fairways perched above the sea.
It’s golf at its most raw and beautiful—and exactly why The Open is so special.
Final Thoughts
When The Open returns to Royal Portrush, it’s not just another tournament. It’s a test of everything that makes golf great: shotmaking, strategy, grit, and imagination.
Whether you’re lucky enough to play it someday or just watching on TV, Dunluce Links is a reminder that golf is at its best when nature has a say.
Want to wear a piece of this iconic course? Check out our hand-drawn Royal Portrush Dunluce Links shirt—designed for true golf fans who appreciate the art of the game.