Westport Golf Classic

A Golf Classic at Westport Golf Club is one of the better ways to spend a Sunday in the west of Ireland. This is a proper championship venue - Fred Hawtree’s 1973 design stretches to nearly 7,000 yards across 260 acres of rolling parkland on the shore of Clew Bay - and the club has form hosting major events, from the Smurfit Irish PGA Championship to the AIG All-Ireland Finals. The setting alone justifies the green fee. Croagh Patrick sits above you on the horizon for most of the back nine. The day suits golfers who want a competitive format but also want to enjoy themselves doing it.

What to expect

The tournament tees off at 8:00am, so an early alarm is worth it. Golf Classics at this level typically run as four-ball competitions with a scramble or stableford format - good news if you’re not carding your best round, since team play spreads the pressure. The entry fee (from €100) covers your green fee and entry into the prize pool, with lunch and refreshments included as part of the day. Registration is required in advance, so contact the club before turning up. The course itself is a mix of inland and seaside characteristics - elevated holes give you views across the bay towards Clare Island, while the five par-5s give long hitters plenty to work with. The course has been good enough for Paul McGinley to set a course record of 65, which puts the quality of the layout in context.

Getting there

Westport is well connected for a town its size. From Dublin, it’s just under three hours on the N5 via Longford and Castlebar. Bus Eireann runs regular services from Dublin Busáras (route 23) with stops in Westport town. The golf club is at Carrowholly, a short drive from the town centre - there is parking at the clubhouse. If you’re travelling by train, Westport has a direct rail connection from Dublin Heuston (Irish Rail, Westport line), with the journey taking around three hours and fifteen minutes.

While you’re in Westport

Westport town is one of the more pleasing places in Connacht - planned streets, a proper quay, and a reasonable selection of pubs and restaurants that don’t feel like they exist solely for tourists. Westport House and grounds are close to the golf club if you have time before or after. There is more to see in Westport and across Co. Mayo.

Good to know

• Date: Sunday 23 August 2026
• Tee time: 8:00am (arrive earlier to register)
• Price: From €100 per player - green fee, entry, and lunch included
• Booking: Registration required in advance - check westportgolfclub.ie for availability and to enter
• Dress code: Smart golf attire required; no denim, no tracksuits, collared shirts for men