The European Club

The European Club is the creation of Pat Ruddy, one of the country’s most beloved and respected golf artists. Since opening in 1987, Ruddy has made this amazing links course his life’s work. In fact he adores The European Club so much, it has also become the family home.

Inspired by Jimmy Demaret and Jack Burke who founded The Champions Club in Texas, Ruddy set out to find linksland on which to build his own championship course, and identified the perfect site at Brittas Bay in “the garden of Ireland”. Only 30 minutes from the capital, The European Club is a stunning and unmissable addition to any Dublin Golf Tour.

While Ruddy’s goal was to design and build a Top 100 Course, he also wanted to ensure it had unique elements and was also enjoyable to play every day. First and foremost a private as a member’s course that allows visitor play. He succeeded on both counts and the 7^th a par 4, 470-yard signature hole has additionally been recognized as one of ‘The Top 100 Holes of the World.’

At your first glance of the scorecard, you immediately realize that there are 20 holes, not the traditional 18. When walking the land, Ruddy identified two additional sites nestled among the towering dunes that were crying out to be par 3’s and not left off the routing – so he seamlessly incorporated them. The additional holes also allow Ruddy to take a hole or two out to be reworked and still offer 18 holes of championship golf.

Other distinctive features are bunkers revetted with railroad ties and there are no caddies, it is a buggy (cart) course.  A very welcome respite for visitor’s not used to walking 18 holes multiple days in a row.

The European Club hosted the 2006 Irish Amateur Close Championship won by Rory McIlroy, who had another Open Champion, Shane Lowry, caddying on his bag during the final round.

McIlroy has high praise for The European saying, “This is probably the best links course I have ever played, and I include Royal St George’s, Royal Portrush and Royal County Down in that…. It is totally unbelievable.”

The Ruddy Family personally offers a very warm Irish welcome to all visitors and The European Club is a highlight on any Ireland golf trip.