The Strand Course, set amongst some high-profile neighbors, is as unique of a course as any in the British Isles
by
Nick Sapia
Why think about work when you can dream about golf? Welcome to another edition of Sunday Scaries, where we help to offset the light dread of the week with the allure of a beautiful golf course.
When you head to Northern Ireland, you're aware of the giants - Royal County Down and Royal Portrush draw countless golfers to its shores. But when I left the country, I found my mind continually returning to an unexpected place: few courses have surprised me as much as Portstewart.
Unassuming at first, the course reveals itself as you meander through towering dunes, creating a unique sense of intimacy during your round, topped off with stunning Northern Ireland views in the distance.
The dunes on The Strand course are massive. In the 1980s, the club acquired additional land (aptly named the "Thistly Hollow"). A local math teacher and club member turned that land into seven incredible holes.The Northern Coast of Ireland is simply stunning.A good target is always welcomed.Moody weather and a nice ride.Portstewart sits at the confluence of the Atlantic Ocean and the River Bann, surrounded by water on three sidesThe pastoral Irish countryside paints an equally stunning background to the ocean in your rear viewA very good benchComing home at golden hour is a wonderful scene: the sun setting over the Portstewart Strand (a common filming location for Game of Thrones) - you could mistake the beach for Malibu. There are few post-round pints of Guinness better than one on the Portstewart patio.
