Opening Golf to the World
Walker Cup
Lahinch course guide: Hole-by-hole look at the 51st Walker Cup venue
02 Sep 26
8 mins
Host venue for the 2026 Walker Cup, Lahinch is widely regarded as the "St Andrews of Ireland." Set along the rugged County Clare coastline, this legendary links pairs massive sand dunes and Atlantic views with a rich 1892 heritage.
While retaining its charm, the layout has been shaped through time by four master architects: Old Tom Morris, Charles ‘Mo’ Gibson, Dr. Alister MacKenzie, and Dr. Martin Hawtree. Together, they created a timeless test of golf filled with blind shots, undulating greens, and dramatic natural terrain. Explore our hole-by-hole guide for an in-depth breakdown of the championship layout ahead of the match.Hole 1 - Mackenzie
363 yards / 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 costs.
Hole 2 - Village
534 yards / 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.
Hole 3 - Cillstifiann
446 yards / Par-4
To put the ball in prime position, the tee shot should be aimed ten 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. 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.
Hole 4 - Klondyke
475 yards / Par-5
The tee shot on the famous Klondyke should be aimed at the right half of the fairway to allow the natural contouring to bring the ball back to the centre. For the approach shot, aim for the “V” in the Klondyke Hill and take a club less to allow for the fairway sloping towards the green.
Hole 5 - Dell
154 yards / 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.
The 6th at Lahinch.
Hole 6 - Paradise
424 yards / 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 tee must be taken into account with your club selection. The ideal second shot would favour the left half of the green.
Hole 7 - Blind Hookey
349 yards / 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 tee. An approach shot favouring the back-right portion of the green is preferred to avoid the danger short of the green.
Hole 8 - Crater
166 yards / 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.
Hole 9 - Burke's Corner
400 yards / 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 severe slope from right to left. Beware of the false front on this green, but equally be aware that it is 56 yards deep.
Hole 10 - Goats
441 yards / 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.
The 11th at Lahinch.
Hole 11 - Liscannor
156 yards / Par-3
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.
Hole 12 - Castle
577 yards / Par-5
The line from the tee is ten yards to the right of the 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.
Hole 13 - Mine
279 yards / Par-4
A faded tee shot aimed at the left half of the green will give the best chance of hitting this driveable 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.
Hole 14 - Valley
461 yards / Par-4
From the tee, a low draw off the bunker on the right will give maximum distance and will set up a shorter shot to this long par-4. If you can’t reach this green in two shots, it is advised to lay up short of the mounds guarding the approach.
Hole 15 - Brud’s Vision
466 yards / Par-4
Index one 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.
Hole 16 - Old Tom
192 yards / Par-3
The safest shot on this tricky par-3 is towards the front left portion of the green. The green slopes from left to right and any mis-hit towards the right side of the green can gather into the bunker.
The 17th at Lahinch.