Paul McGinley leads Major re-design at Donegal Golf Club in Murvagh

Donegal Golf Club has engaged former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley to undertake the next phase of development on their iconic links course in Murvagh. 

The par 73 Championship Links Course expands over 7,400 yards and is situated on the scenic Murvagh Peninsula near Donegal Town on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, a town that has been named fourth in the prestigious Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2024. 

“The Links is one of the very best canvasses of any club in the country and that is what both excites and motivates me to best utilize the terrain while also honouring the history, routing, and flow of the course,” McGinley said. 

There have been numerous upgrades at the course since it was opened 50 years ago in 1973, firstly under Eddie Hackett and Pat Ruddy, who has undertaken most of the changes since then. 

But with Ruddy’s retirement, the club had a decision to make, and they were fortunate that they have acquired the talents of someone who has very close links with Donegal.   

While born in Dublin, McGinley’s parents are Donegal born with his father, Mick, well-known as a former GAA player with the county and also one of the county’s greatest supporters. 

The club is one of the best-known courses, not just in Ireland, but worldwide and attracts green fees from all over the world. 

The outside loop plays along the sand dunes providing stunning views overlooking Donegal Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The inner loop is more protected with picturesque views of the Bluestack Mountains. The constantly changing sea breeze provides a continuing test for both pro and amateur golfers. 

The course regularly features in Ireland’s Top 20 and has played host to some of the country’s top amateur events, including the 2004 Irish Men’s Close in which a young Rory McIlroy competed, and more recently to the 2020 All Ireland Cups & Shields finals. 

At McGinley Golf Course Architecture & Design, McGinley’s design philosophy is based on the classic strategic mode of H. S. Colt and Donald Ross course styles.  

His vast knowledge of links golf in Ireland and his design expertise will realise his vision for a Timeless, Classic, Traditional links course that is both fair to its members and still an enjoyable experience for golfers of all levels. His inspiration for Donegal’s redesign stems from the unique weather conditions across the Wild Atlantic Way. 

The work is being rolled out in phases. McGinley’s first three holes, the 16th, 17th, and 18th were completed in the spring of 2024.  

In the autumn of 2024, the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th holes will be finalised, leaving seven holes ready for the 2025 golfing season when The Open Championship returns to Royal Portrush. 

“Donegal Golf Club is extremely excited to begin the next chapter in our evolution by partnering with McGinley Golf Design. Paul McGinley’s stature in the world of golf combined with his love of County Donegal has created the perfect partnership to successfully deliver our next phase of development. I have every confidence that Paul and his team will enhance the previous work of Eddie Hackett and Pat Ruddy, two legends of Irish golf architecture. The Donegal Golf Club Canvas together with Paul’s expertise will enable the club to develop into one of the world’s top links courses in the coming years,” said Brian Boyle, President of Donegal Golf Club. 

“It is with great pride that I have been approved as the new design consultant for the magnificent Links at Donegal Golf Club, following in the footsteps of Eddie Hackett and Pat Ruddy,” said McGinley. 

“My core principle for the Links is it needs to be more playable for the Membership and all standards of player. At the same time, it should be seamlessly prepared for major events to create optionality on tees and a challenge on green designs that allows pins to be tucked when needed.”