Sandy Hills at Rosapenna – A Bold, Modern Links Test on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Coast

Gunnar Kobin
Dec 12, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Feb 7

Sandy Hills: Rosapenna's Big, Bold Statement

Sandy Hills at Rosapenna delivers a completely different experience from the neighboring Old Tom Morris Links.

Where Old Tom feels intimate and understated, Sandy Hills is expansive, muscular, unapologetically modern. Playing it feels like stepping into a wilder, more demanding version of links golf—course defined by scale, elevation, relentless exposure to Atlantic elements.

Pat Ruddy Built Something Special

Designed by Pat Ruddy and opened in 2003, Sandy Hills occupies this vast stretch of towering dunes on the edge of Sheephaven Bay.

From the opening tee shot, the sense of space is dramatic. Fairways tumble through enormous dunes, sightlines stretch endlessly, wind isn't just a factor—it's a constant presence.

Everything Moves Vertically

What immediately stands out at Sandy Hills is the vertical movement.

Tee shots often plunge from high dune ridges into rumpled fairways below, followed by demanding uphill approaches into greens that are both intimidating and well protected.

The land is constantly rising, falling, twisting. Makes distance control particularly difficult. Judging trajectory becomes critical, especially when wind changes mid-shot.

It Dares You to Attack

Unlike Old Tom Morris Links, which encourages restraint, Sandy Hills often tempts you to be bold.

Many holes appear wide and playable from the tee, daring you to unleash driver. But the further you push the ball, the more exposed you become to crosswinds and awkward lies.

Confidence is rewarded—but only when paired with total commitment and solid execution.

Every Hole Type Gets Tested

Sandy Hills is longer and more physically demanding than its older sibling.

The par 4s are strong and varied, several stretching far enough that approach shots demand full commitment, particularly into wind.

Par 5s play as genuine three-shot holes unless conditions are helping, and even then positioning is everything.

The par 3s are standout holes—often played across deep dune valleys where club selection becomes critical and gusts can instantly punish even well-struck shots.

Greens Don't Forgive Much

The greens at Sandy Hills are large, expressive, often perched on plateaus or nestled into dune folds. More contoured than those on Old Tom Morris Links and demand precise approaches.

Misses get punished severely, especially on the wrong side where recovery shots can be unpredictable.

Putting surfaces are quick and true, but reading them requires careful attention to elevation and subtle slopes. Staying below the hole is essential—downhill putts quickly become defensive.

When the Wind Blows, Everything Changes

If Old Tom Morris Links teaches strategy, Sandy Hills tests execution under pressure.

Exposed to the Atlantic, the course becomes formidable when wind rises. Low, penetrating ball flights are essential, and even then there are no guarantees.

Over the closing holes, fatigue becomes a factor. Concentration gets relentlessly tested.

The Walk Is Part of the Test

Walking Sandy Hills is a workout. Long green-to-tee distances, major elevation changes, constant exposure to elements mean stamina plays a real role.

But the walk is richly rewarding. The scale of dunes is breathtaking, views are vast, the feeling of isolation enhances the sense you're playing golf in its purest form.

Rosapenna's Powerhouse

Sandy Hills at Rosapenna is a bold, modern links course perfectly complementing Old Tom Morris Links.

Where Old Tom offers charm, subtlety, history, Sandy Hills delivers drama, scale, stern test of skill.

Together, they offer one of the most complete links golf experiences in Ireland.

For golfers who enjoy challenging layouts, wild terrain, testing conditions, Sandy Hills is unforgettable—course that demands everything and rewards it with memories lasting long after the final putt.

This is links golf without compromise. You'll either love the challenge or find it exhausting. I loved every demanding minute of it.