Founded in 1885 it is one of Ireland's earliest established golf clubs. Originally located in the Phoenix Park, it was relocated to Sutton and then again onto its current placing on Bull Island in 1889. The famous golf architect Harry Colt was brought in to design the course in 1920 following its destruction by the military during the First World War. The course was designed in the old links style, much like the Old Course at St. Andrews. The majority of the holes on the front 9 go out away from the clubhouse and the back 9 bring you back in. The 9th green is the furthest you will be from the clubhouse whilst still on the club grounds. His work brought a measure of fame to the club and the course has been sought out for prestigious golfing events ever since. The club has hosted many Irish Opens over the years, the last being held in 1985 which was won by Seve Ballesteros who defeated the defending champion, Bernhard Langer, in a playoff. Due to advances in technology, the members of Royal Dublin felt the course needed to be updated. As a result, Martin Hawtree was invited by the members in the late 1990s to redesign and upgrade the links for the modern game. He kept the essence of Colt’s genius while redesigning just three holes in full - the 6th, 7th and 8th. Subtle alterations to other holes, accompanied by the raising and contouring of all 18 greens, resulted in a classic championship golf links fit for the modern game.
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