The best 9th holes in Scotland and Ireland are a perfect example of the many differences between golf in the U.S. and the game across the pond.
In the United States, most golf courses return to the clubhouse at the 9th hole.
As a result, many courses are specifically designed to end the nine on a high note.
But across the pond, where many of the classic links courses run in an “out and back” style, the 9th hole is often as far from the clubhouse as you can get.
Although it may not offer a mid-round crescendo, the 9th hole may still serve an important role in your rounds across the pond…
If you and your playing partners are engaged in a friendly Nassau, the 9th hole may determine who buys the beverages at the halfway house.
Here is a look at some of the best 9th holes in Scotland and Ireland.
Royal County Down
The 9th hole at Royal County Down actually began its life as two separate holes.
When Harry Colt was tapped by the club to make revisions to the golf course, he combined the pair into a single hole.
The net result is one of the best par-4s in Ireland and one of the most photographed locations in the game of golf.
After launching your drive blindly over the ridge, the climb to the top eventually reveals an unforgettable panorama.
As they used to say, it’s the very definition of a Kodak Moment.
Castle Stuart
The 9th hole at Castle Stuart Golf Links is a wonderful risk-reward par-4.
When the hole is playing downwind, longer hitters will be able to give the green a go from the tee.
But if you fail to pull it off, getting up and down from the hollow short of the green is no easy task.
The chip is basically blind, and if you fail to carry it on top, there’s a good chance it’s coming right back to your feet.
Royal Dornoch
The 9th hole at Royal Dornoch turns for home along lower ground compared to the first 8 holes.
It’s here that the seaside setting of Royal Dornoch comes into full focus, with the beach bordering the left-side for the entire length of the hole.
As one of just two par-5s on the course, the 9th hole is also a good opportunity to improve your scorecard.
Assuming, of course, that you keep clear of the bank of gorse up the right-side.
Brora Golf Club
The 9th hole at Brora Golf Club captures everything that is great about this enigmatic course.
At just 150 yards, the hole is a fairly straightforward affair.
But like all things at Brora, it’s the setting which makes it unforgettable.
The sea borders the 9th hole up the right-side, while the hills of the Scottish Highlands stand as backdrop.
To say it’s a sublime experience might be an understatement.
Adare Manor
The 9th hole at Adare Manor Golf Club is the longest on the course and is a great test for deciding the front end of a Nassau.
The hole features a generous fairway and a putting surface surrounded by closely mown runoffs.
Better players should have a good look at birdie, while the golfer who misses the green has plenty of options to get the up and down for par.
What makes the hole truly memorable, however, is the magnificent Manor House standing majestically behind the green.
Cruden Bay
The 9th hole at Cruden Bay Golf Club serves up one of the finest moments in Scottish golf.
After putting out on the 8th green, you make an arduous climb up a giant dune.
The march seems to go on forever, but when you reach the top, the payoff makes every step worthwhile.
Simply put, the panorama is magnificent.
The coastline stretches before you, while the ruins of Slain’s Castle – the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula – stand on a point in the distance.
Turnberry Ailsa
The 9th hole at Turnberry Ailsa is, without question, one of the best par-3s in golf.
But it wasn’t always this way.
The original 9th hole was a mundane par-4 with a fairway that was nearly impossible to find.
The idea of moving the green closer to the lighthouse and converting the hole into a par-3 was debated for decades.
Now, with the benefit of hindsight, everyone agrees that the current version of the 9th hole is how it should have played all along.
Machrie Golf Links
From the moment the redesigned Machrie Golf Links debuted, the short par-3 9th hole has been a fan favorite.
The hole plays from an elevated tee, down to a green that’s backdropped by the sea.
It’s a postcard worthy view that’s known to distract from the task at hand.
The hole is just 150 yards, but if you fail to find the putting surface, your up and down is far from a foregone conclusion.
Enniscrone Golf Club
For most golfers, the daunting dunes are what defines the experience at Enniscrone Golf Club.
But the par-4 9th hole is an exception to the rule.
The hole plays on low ground along the shores of Scurmore Beach and offers an opportunity to catch your breath and enjoy the spellbinding setting.
As you approach the green, however, the dunes are in the background, reminding you that the drama of Enniscrone will return soon enough.
Muirfield
The front-9 at Muirfield returns near the clubhouse with a solid par-5.
The drive might be the toughest you’ll see all day, while the 2nd shot requires you to navigate between a stone wall and perilously deep bunkers.
If you can avoid all of the danger at hand, you’ll probably have a good look at birdie.
But if you fail to pull it off, things can go sideways on the 9th at Muirfield in a hurry.
What is your favorite 9th hole across the pond?
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