Cashen Course at Ballybunion Golf Club
Ballybunion, Ireland
This is not the links you’re looking for. But it’s one you should play.
📷 ballybuniongolfclub.com
📷 ballybuniongolfclub.com
The Cashen course is fascinating. Robert Trent Jones, the preeminent architect of the 20th century, was set loose on a classic Irish links dunescape. And what resulted was….weird, interesting and different! It’s a mash-up of authentic links and target golf that doesn’t really exist elsewhere. Does it work? Sometimes – if the wind is up, it’s best to leave the scorecard in the bag and enjoy the experience. But this target golf take on links means you get to play through some of the most interesting and dramatic dunes in Ireland (and thus anywhere). If you’re the type who wants your golf fair and straightforward, the Cashen course is probably not going to be your cup of tea. But if you’re open to something different, something interesting, the Cashen course is absolutely worth your time.
Expert Reviews
I even understand why people complain: the Cashen, which opened in 1982, combines links landscape (and what a landscape it is) with target golf. In other words, there’s no room for traditional bump and run, which is how the designer (Robert Trent Jones Senior) wanted it to be. …I wouldn’t miss it for the world. It has one of the most enthralling back nines in Irish golf and, like its sibling, it ends above the sea.
Irish Golf BlogRankings
📷 ballybuniongolfclub.com
📷 ballybuniongolfclub.com
Course Layout
Course Flyover
What To Know
Yardage & Tees
When to Play
April through July are the driest months, while the warmest temperatures can be found May through October. Winds will be a little calmer during the summer. Any time the course is open is a fine time to play Ballybunion, with May-July giving you the best odds for nice weather.
Temperature
Sunshine
Precipitation
Wind
Greens Fees
Month |
Greens Fees |
January | closed |
February | closed |
March | closed |
April 1-7 | closed |
April 8-30 | €80 |
May | €80 |
June | €80 |
July | €80 |
August | €80 |
September | €80 |
October 1-4 | €80 |
October 5-31 | closed |
November | closed |
December | closed |
Greens fees last verified January 2020. View them on ballybuniongolfclub.com
Visitor Tee Times
Visitors may play the Cashen Course at Ballybunion Monday through Friday.
Rentals & Caddies
Senior caddies are available for €60 plus gratuity and junior caddies are €40 plus gratuity. Forecaddies are €70 per groups with 1 to 3 golfers and €80 for foursomes. Please request all caddies in advance. Every group must take at least one caddie or forecaddie.
Clubs are available to rent for €45.
Electric pull carts are available for €15.
Getting There
Sandhill Road, Ballybunion, Co. Kerry, Ireland
Nearest Airport:
Shannon (65 miles / 1 hour 30 minutes)
Other Airports:
Practice Facilities
Ballybunion has a driving range and several putting greens, including one by the 1st tee of the Cashen Course.
Other Things To Know
Year Built: 1984
Architects: Robert Trent Jones
Course guide: Ballybunion has an online course guide here.
Playing ability: Men should have a handicap of 24 or
less (men) or 36 or less (ladies).