Waterville Golf Links

Waterville is a renowned angling town in South West Kerry. It sits on a narrow strip of land between the Atlantic Ocean and Lough Currane—one of Ireland’s most beautiful lakes. The town’s Irish name, An Coireán (meaning “Little Whirlpool”), reflects its coastal character and charm.

Waterville is also a popular tourist destination. Among its most beloved traditions is the annual Charlie Chaplin AM-AM tournament. Held since 1984, this two-day golfing event brings teams from across Ireland for competition and celebration. Chaplin himself visited Waterville regularly with his family, leaving a lasting legacy.

The Birth and Evolution of Golf at Waterville

Golf began in Waterville around 1889 with a modest 9-hole course on the eastern side of today’s layout. The club folded in the 1950s, but was revived in the late 1960s when Irish-American Jack Mulcahy purchased the land. He enlisted Claude Harmon, 1948 Masters champion, and Eddie Hackett, Ireland’s most prolific golf architect, to design a new course.

In 1973, Waterville’s “beautiful monster” opened for play. Later, Tom Fazio was brought in to refine and modernize the layout, enhancing its natural beauty and strategic challenge.

A Landscape Like No Other

Waterville Golf Links occupies a remote promontory surrounded by sea. To the northeast, players can see the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks mountain range. To the southwest, Ballinskelligs Bay and the Atlantic Ocean stretch into the horizon.

The front nine plays across relatively flat terrain, while the back nine winds through tall dunes. The elevated 17th tee—named “Mulcahy’s Peak” in honor of the founder—offers one of the most breathtaking views in Irish golf.

A Collection of Memorable Holes

Waterville boasts a superb mix of holes. It features three standout par threes, three excellent par fives, and a strong lineup of par fours.

• Hole 11: A short par five with a rippling fairway flanked by towering dunes. It’s both scenic and strategic.
• Hole 16 – “Liam’s Ace”: A 366-yard par four that curves along the Atlantic coastline. Formerly called “Round the Bend,” it was renamed after local pro Liam Higgins made a hole-in-one here en route to a course-record 65.

A Place of Pilgrimage for Golfers

Waterville’s remote location has limited its ability to host major tournaments. However, it remains a favorite among top golfers, many of whom describe it as a truly special place.

One of its most heartfelt tributes is to Payne Stewart. He was set to become Honorary Captain in 2000, but tragically died in a plane crash in October 1999. A bronze statue now stands at Waterville in his honor, commemorating his connection to the course and its community.