Jameson Golf Links: Exploring The Perfect Blend
- thebogeymenpod
- Nov 6, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 24, 2024
The Jameson Golf Links is the perfect blend of two of Ireland’s greatest exports golf and whiskey.
John Jameson III, grandson on the founder of the Jameson Whiskey brand, built his family home and private course in St. Marnock's in 1847. This golf course would be used by friends, family and later the public as golf became a mainstream sport across Ireland.
The renowned Portmarnock Resort, has unveiled its recently remodelled championship golf course now under a "new" name, but one of great historical importance – the Jameson Golf Links.
Jonny visited the Portmarnock Resort to play the new Jameson Golf Links championship layout and experience this perfect blend for himself. Paul McCanny hosted The Bogey Men as we explored this fun, yet challenging links in person.
The formal link between the Jameson family and Portmarnock ended in 1945 when Willie Jameson (John Jameson's great grandson) died, but still today the presence of the Jameson family is seen and felt all across the Portmarnock Resort.
As you tee off from the 1st hole there is an unmissable reminder of the family heritage, as three of the Jamesons, including John, are laid to rest in the graveyard to the right of the first fairway.
Originally designed by Bernhard Langer in 1995, the aim of the new project was to enhance the stunning views, particularly from the eighth hole onwards. Jeff Lynch of (re)GOLF, spear-headed the project.
Enhancements made to the course include the ambitious elevation of greens and tees to provide stunning viewpoints of Dublin bay from the eighth hole all the way through to its breathtaking finishing stretch. One of my favourite holes is the new par 3, 9th hole. Both the tee and the green were elevated and as you step up onto 9 tee it provides the first opportunity to look all around you. There are 360 views across Dublin, with clear views of Portmarnock Golf Club, Dublin port and the Wicklow Mountains in the distance.
It makes for a special moment as you step up to 9 tee and you also get your first view of the Irish sea, which was a key priority of the redesign.
The rerouting of certain holes has led to several significant changes on the final ten holes. Jameson Links strikes an excellent balance between being demanding but fair now with a little fun injected into the equation. On course changes have also prompted the creation of a new on-course beverage and snack service, JJ's, located at the turn.
Away from the golf course, visitors will now experience a recently upgraded and award-winning hotel, which blends modern elegance with a unique history, encapsulated by the quaint Irish charm of the famed Jameson Bar.
Whiskey and golf are two intertwined aspects of Irish life: trust me when I tell you that there is no better place to experience them hand in hand, than at Jameson Golf Links at Portmarnock Resort.
The connection between Jameson and golf culture in the article felt more rooted in atmosphere and shared experience than just branding, especially the way it described the social side of spending a long day on the links with friends. It’s interesting how certain activities create a kind of routine escape for people, whether that’s a round of golf on the weekend or students trying to clear their heads after searching for an HND Assignment Expert during stressful academic stretches. The piece also captured that balance between competition and relaxation that makes golf unique compared to a lot of other sports. I found myself wondering whether newer players approach the game differently now compared to the more traditional club culture the…