European Club

The European Golf Club is a par-71 championship links course stretching 7,355 yards across the dramatic coastline of County Wicklow. Designed by Pat Ruddy, the layout blends rugged dunes, deep bunkers, and fast, undulating greens to create a challenging and visually striking experience.

Located between the coastal towns of Wicklow and Arklow—just 30 miles south of Dublin—the course sits in the heart of the “Garden of Ireland.” Opened in 1993, it remains under the stewardship of Ruddy and his family, who have lived on-site since its inception. Originally conceived as a 20-hole links, the format was considered unique until it was emulated in 2010 at Barnbougle Lost Farm in Tasmania.

Ruddy’s ongoing involvement ensures the course continues to evolve. A notable recent improvement includes replacing the artificial lake in front of the 18th green with a charming burn, restoring a more natural aesthetic. Many holes appear so organically integrated into the landscape that they seem timeless—an achievement comparable to Kyle Phillips’ work at Kingsbarns.

The setting is nothing short of inspiring. Towering dunes frame the fairways, and the Irish Sea provides a dramatic backdrop throughout the round. The standard 18-hole layout plays as a formidable par 71, while the full 20-hole configuration—featuring two additional par 3s (7a and 12a)—extends to a par 77, offering a refreshing twist on tradition.

Ruddy’s sense of humour is evident throughout the course, especially in the scorecard’s playful commentary. The par-four 12th green, stretching over 125 yards, is a prime example—where a three-putt is considered a triumph. The course is both enjoyable and memorable, with a variety of holes that consistently engage and challenge players.

Standout holes include:

• The 7th (Stroke Index 1): A 470-yard par four ranked among the world’s top 100 holes. It plays across a sandbank flanked by reeds, with a burn running along the right and untouched land beyond. Towering dunes and a marsh guard the left, while Brittas Bay glimmers behind the green.
• The 13th: A 596-yard par five fiercely protected by four bunkers on the left and the Irish Sea on the right.
• The 14th: A visually arresting 165-yard par three with a plateau green nestled among massive dunes.

The European Club is widely regarded as a must-play destination and may well be one of the last true links courses built in Ireland.

Course Evolution: Pat Ruddy’s 2017 Update

Pat Ruddy shared the following insights in early 2017:

“At the European Club, I have my notebooks under constant review and there are always things that could be done and things that should be done. Each winter, and on all my review projects, I take and advocate a ‘steady as it goes’ approach for many reasons, including not disrupting the life of a links to an extent that the oldest members will have their final years upset too much. We have a 20-hole course so I can work at two at any time and still have eighteen in play.”

Recent updates include remodeling the greens at holes 9 and 10:

• Hole 9: Previously defined by curving mounds that encroached mid-green, the surface has been softened and enhanced with subtle contours to encourage more strategic running approaches.
• Hole 10: A mound on the right side has been softened, and the back-right pin position—already the strongest on the green—has been expanded. The pin can now be placed two club lengths further right, demanding a more nuanced approach.

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