Two of Ireland's most celebrated golf clubs are proving that sensitive restoration can breathe new life into historic layouts while remaining true to their original character. Speaking on the latest episode of On The Tee on The Greenprint, Golf Course Architecture Magazine's Toby Ingleton highlighted the recent work completed at Ballybunion's Cashen Course and Tralee Golf Club, describing both projects as outstanding examples of modern golf course architecture.

The extensive renovation of Ballybunion's Cashen Course has been led by Team Niblick, with Graham Webster working alongside Tom Watson Design. While the neighbouring Old Course has long enjoyed worldwide acclaim, Ingleton believes the Cashen deserves far greater recognition. "The dunes are equally – and arguably even more – dramatic than those on the Old Course," he said. "It's an incredible piece of land that many golfers have overlooked simply because they've travelled to Ballybunion to play the famous Old Course."

Rather than dramatically altering the routing, the project has focused on improving the way the course plays. Most holes remain unchanged, aside from a small adjustment to improve walkability, while greens, surrounds and playing corridors have been opened up to encourage the running game synonymous with links golf. "Where you previously had to fly the ball onto many of the greens, you can now roll the ball in as links golf should allow," Ingleton explained. "The challenge is different now, but very much for the better."

Just along the coast, Tralee Golf Club has also completed a multi-year programme of improvements under Graham Webster of Team Niblick. The Arnold Palmer-designed course has always been renowned for its spectacular back nine, but recent work has focused on creating a stronger connection between both halves of the course. "The landscape on the back nine is incredibly dramatic," said Ingleton. "What they've achieved is bringing more of that feeling into the front nine, creating a much more cohesive golfing experience."

While the routing has remained largely intact, the changes have transformed the visual character of the course. New dune formations, revised landforms and carefully considered architectural enhancements have strengthened the identity of the opening holes without compromising Palmer's original design. "They've never tried to recreate the towering dunes of the back nine," Ingleton noted. "Instead, they've created a low, dune-swept landscape that ties the whole property together beautifully."

Host Leighton Walker believes both projects highlight an encouraging trend within golf architecture, where restoration is driven by improving playability rather than simply modernising layouts. "It's great to see so much thought going into these projects," he said. "The emphasis is on making the golf more enjoyable while respecting what made these courses special in the first place."

For golfers planning a visit to Ireland, both courses now offer compelling reasons to extend any traditional links itinerary. Ballybunion's revitalised Cashen Course has become a worthy companion to its famous neighbour, while Tralee continues to strengthen its reputation as one of the country's finest coastal layouts following a carefully executed architectural evolution.

Listen to the full discussion

Hear the complete conversation about Ballybunion, Tralee and the latest developments in golf course architecture on On The Tee, the regular series from The Greenprint in collaboration with Golf Course Architecture Magazine.

Episode: On The Tee – Ballybunion, Tralee & the Evolution of Great Golf Course Architecture
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