By their very nature, the best 18th holes in Scotland and Ireland defy convention.
That’s because at many of the great golf courses across the pond, the 18th hole is a rather forgettable affair.
A phenomenon with simple explanations…
The most interesting terrain on links golf courses – and therefore the most interesting golf – is found near the sea.
But the clubhouses are normally built further inland.
This means that the opening and closing holes are usually just a means to get you to the better ground for golf.
The end result being an 18th hole that’s lackluster when compared to the rest of the course.
In addition, with match play being the most common game across the pond, the 18th hole rarely comes into play in that format.
As a result, early course designs often placed greater emphasis on the 17th hole – where more matches are decided – than the 18th hole.
Of course, there are plenty of exceptions to these rules. Here are just 5 of the best 18th holes in Scotland and Ireland.
The Old Course at St. Andrews
Straightaway, 360 yard par-4 with no bunkers and a fairway that’s 129 yards wide.
Sounds easy, right?
Perhaps, except there’s an important piece of context that’s missing…
This is the 18th hole of The Old Course at St. Andrews.
No less than 29 Open Championships have concluded right here. And the winners include many of the biggest names in golf history: Jones, Nicklaus, Ballesteros, Woods.
But the history of St. Andrews is just one small part of what makes the 18th hole at The Old Course special.
From the thrill of playing back to town, to the small gallery that’s likely to be lingering around the green, to the keepsake photo on The Swilcan Bridge, the memories made in this 360 yards are certain to last a lifetime.
And then there’s the added weight that, for many, reaching the 18th hole of The Old Course marks the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.
All of which, in our estimation, makes it the greatest 18th hole in all of golf.
Adare Manor
There’s a good chance that the 18th hole at Adare Manor will decide who takes home the 2027 Ryder Cup.
For a course that was built with championship golf in mind, it has all the makings of a fitting finish.
The River Maigue cuts in front of the green, turning the approach to this par-5 into the ultimate risk-reward proposition.
For those who take the safe route, roughly 100 yards of closely mown bentgrass offers a number of intriguing options for your 3rd shot.
Meanwhile, the stunning 19th century Manor House stands as backdrop, and serves as an ever-present reminder of the finest combination of Golf and the Good Life in Ireland.
North Berwick – West Links
Straightaway, 270 yard par-4 with no bunkers and an enormous fairway.
Sound familiar?
The 18th hole at North Berwick Golf Club shares quite a few similarities with its counterpart in St. Andrews.
The short par-4 plays back toward town and caps a memorable day at a historic links.
It also provides a great opportunity for a closing birdie.
Assuming, of course, that you keep your tee shot off the adjacent car park.
Old Head Golf Links
The 18th hole at Old Head Golf Links shares a problem with many visually stunning courses…
How does a place like Old Head, that’s filled with one show stopping moment after another, end on a high note?
Like most links courses, the drama and interesting golf at Old Head is found near the sea.
The task of getting back to the clubhouse, while avoiding the letdown of a mundane finish, is far from easy.
That is, unless you have a 19th century lighthouse at your disposal and can position the final tee shot in its shadow.
Of course, one of the main highlights of the 18th hole at Old Head comes immediately after… Savoring the view and a post-round beverage from the clubhouse patio.
Carnoustie Golf Links
The 18th hole at Carnoustie Golf Links is known the world over, not because of a triumph in The Open Championship, but because of how one was lost.
The sight of a shoeless Jean Van de Velde standing in the Barry Burn, hands on his hips, will forever be associated with the 18th hole at Carnoustie.
But the hole itself can be a bit of a coin toss.
If it’s playing downwind, you may wonder what all of the fuss is about.
On the other hand, if the wind is into your face, getting home in two shots – and across the Barry Burn – may be a monumental task.
And one that’s fitting for the most difficult venue among The Open Championship courses.
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