The Colt Championship Links
Championship Pedigree In A Spectacular Setting
The Colt Championship Links is an enjoyable course that is very fair and will reward a good shot but will come up and bite one for any loose play. It was named after the architect Harry Colt who redesigned the original course in 1927.
Colt Championship Links Course Guide
Embrace The Beauty Of Rosses Point
County Sligo Golf Club at Rosses Point is The Wild Atlantic Links. It is a course carved by earth, winds and water and a true test of golf.
About The Colt Championship Links Course
Origins of the Golf Course
The original nine holes were laid out in 1894 by George Combe at the request of Col. James Campbell who was the first Captain of the club. In 1906 it was decided to extend the course to eighteen holes and the designing brief was given to Captain William Campbell a stepbrother of Col. Campbell who was an accomplished golfer and sportsman.
The original Combe course was integrated into the new nine holes. Col. Campbell presented a cup to the club the “Hermitage Cup” to be played bi-annually on St. Stephen’s day and on a day in June.
The Colt Redesign
As golf developed and the club began hosting championships, it was decided that the course required radical updating by the committee in 1927. Renowned golf course architect Harry Shapland Colt was commissioned to undertake this task and so the magnificent links as we know today was created.
A Classic Links Layout
The original eighteen went in a clockwise direction but Colt went with an anticlockwise direction and a right-hand change of direction for the seventh hole and again at the ninth and tenth holes. This was a pattern that he admired at the old course in St. Andrews, Prestwick, Lytham and Royal Troon. The old course was almost completely abandoned apart from the now 12th and 13th holes which were part of the Campbell holes.
MacKenzie & Ebert Enhancement
In 2024 the club commissioned the services of Martin Ebert to enhance the Championship Links Course. Enhancements included the new 3rd green, 5th green, 12th green and a number of relocated bunkers.
Championship Pedigree
The Colt Championship Links has long been recognised as a premier venue for championship golf in Ireland. In addition to the “West of Ireland”, the course has hosted many other national championships and has hosted the Home Internationals on two occasions.
A Spectacular Setting
The course is one of the most scenic in Ireland and has been immortalised in the Poetry of W.B.Yeats. The views are spectacular, from the third tee on a clear day one can see five counties, the lighthouse out to sea, the cliffs of Slieve League in Donegal, Lissadell House in the trees across the bay, Queen Maeve’s grave on top of Knocknarea, Drumcliffe Church next to where Yeats is buried and the imposing background of Ireland’s table mountain Benbulben.
Course Evolution & Improvements
These holes have been modified considerably over the years, with a new green built at the twelfth, increased length through new tees and additional bunkering. Due to improvements in both the equipment and balls, the length of the course has been increased in length considerably over the years from the original length and now stands at 6638 metres or 7259 yards.
New tees have been built, holes and greens extended. A new green has been built at the third hole and the hole increased in length. New bunkers were built and other modifications to the course without any significant changes to the Colt design.
Renowned Visitors and Lasting Praise
Rosses Point has received many notable visitors through the years. These include Joe Kirkwood, Walter Hagen, Norman Von Nida, Bobby Locke, Henry Cotton, Fred Daly, Tom Watson, Byron Nelson, Nick Faldo and Peter Allis, just to name a few. A young Bernard Langer also planned to visit for a day and ended up staying a week!
Spectacular from the word go. The reception we received was flawless, the course was phenomenal, the food & beverages at The View were perfect and the actual view was incredible for sunset. Put it on your list if you havent and if you havent played in a while, i’d suggest giving it another go. Great experience. Kudos to all.
- Liam Kelly
5/5 it was lovely views staff very friendly and nice food was excellent looking forward to go back if I’m in rosses point. Great pints served too I got a starter as we were alittle hungry and my friend got the soup with brown bread very good service
- Katie M O
The store has clubs & anything you need to have an amazing day at the Golf Club.
At the ranges you can get the balls for 2€, a full basket. It has a small put where you can practice at the top & at the bottom of the Golf Club, to get to the bottom you have to drive through the Golf Club with your own car.
We celebrate my mom’s 72 bday having lunch (big portions) & practicing some swings.
- The E’s and J’s Life
We were lucky enough to play this iconic course on a perfect day. It was thoroughly enjoyable though quite challenging and I imagine a true test of golf when the wind blows in the west!
Course was in great condition and the views are spectacular. Although it was busy, the speed of play was good.
A lovely pro’s shop so take your wallet!!
- Floss
County Sligo Golf Club is an absolute gem and hands down one of Ireland’s best courses! The layout is stunning, with views that’ll make you wonder if you’ve stumbled onto a postcard. The course is challenging in all the right ways, with perfectly manicured greens and fairways that have you working for every shot.
- Gerard Lawless
Our caddies were fabulous, and more than helpful. The course was challenging but not unfair. The elevation changes and resulting views were epicDefinitely worth the somewhat harrowing drive from Donegal Town.The clubhouse was charming, too.
- Thomas S
Book Tee Time at County Sligo Golf Club
Experience the challenge and beauty of the Colt Championship Links at Rosses Point. Whether you’re a visiting golfer or a prospective member, secure your tee time today and play one of Ireland’s most scenic and historic links courses. Enjoy world-class fairways, stunning Atlantic views and a course shaped by legendary architect Harry Colt.
