Portmarnock is universally acknowledged as one of the truly great links courses, steeped in tradition and history. Its quality and location have made it a splendid venue for some of the game's great events. There is the charm of its delightful turf, the wildness, the solitude of the sandhills and the sea, and the ever-present challenge of the wind.
The course lacks the spectacular views and elevation changes found in the west of Ireland , but nevertheless offers blind drives and difficult approach shots (e.g. the 16th is a tough par 5 that doglegs right).