Founded in 1890 by 26 golfers led by Naval Commander Alfred Malcolm Causton, and nicknamed the “Warren Links” for its rabbit holes. A founding member of the Golf Union of Ireland (1891) and notably forward-thinking — it welcomed women players from 1897. Extended to 18 holes in 1926.
The setting
A hill-top course at the end of Glenshesk, one of the Nine Glens of Antrim, with views across the bay to Rathlin Island (and on clear days, Scotland’s Mull of Kintyre) and the Donegal Hills to the west.
Getting there
About 20 miles / 25 minutes east of Portrush along the A2, similar distance from Coleraine.
The course
5,876 yards, par 71 — a mix of parkland (holes 1–5, bordered by the River Margy, River Clary, and the ruined Bonamargy Abbey, off-limits to golfers) and increasingly steep links terrain as you climb toward the coast (holes 11–18), with real elevation change and narrow fairways throughout. The drop is real, not just a figure of speech — holes 11 to 17 run up one side of a clifftop and back down the other, and the 17th tee sits around 150ft above its own green.
Tournaments
Hosts the annual Causeway Coast Tournament, one of Europe’s largest amateur open competitions, shared over a week in June with Castlerock, Ballyliffin, and Royal Portrush (historically sponsored by Bushmills Black Bush whiskey). Also runs the Louis Sweeney Cup (gentlemen, March) and the Wetherall Cup (ladies, August).
Cost
Visitor green fees have risen well past the £75 previously listed here — recent published rates run closer to £135. Check the club’s current rates directly before you go, since the exact visitor/couple/under-18 breakdown may have changed too.
Amenities
Shop in the clubhouse; the Golf Shoe restaurant does a full breakfast and an afternoon menu (burgers, battered cod, chips, paninis).
