The European Club

Opened in the late 80s, the European Club quickly became a prominent fixture in Irish golf. Set on beautiful Brittas Bay overlooking the Irish Sea in County Wicklow, this wonderful links has hosted the game’s big names, including Johnny Miller, Gary Player, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, and in its relatively short lifetime has ranked among the top 20 golf courses in the UK & Ireland. 

Half an hour south of Dublin, the course was first established by Pat Ruddy, an Irish golf journalist, course designer and publisher who went on to become one of the most influential figures in modern Irish golf. There’s hope for us yet!

Ruddy reportedly turned down multiple purchase offers before eventually selling this year to a father-and-son team, Raymond and Nicky Conlan, for over $40 million. The former car dealers are closing the operation this winter to enter an ambitious 18-month renovation project expected to conclude in late spring 2027. 

Full details of the redevelopment have yet to be disclosed but the new owners promise to transform the club into a world-class golf destination, improving both the golf course and the clubhouse facilities.