Playing Conditions
Our Strategy
Dalmahoy rewards patience more than power, maybe thats because my driver head came off on the first tee (every golfers worst nightmare) and I had no choice but to play that way. The course gives you plenty of chances to score - particularly on the winter set up on the par 5s, but only if you stay focused and don’t chase too early. Fairways are welcoming, but approach angles matter more than you think, especially as the round develops. Pick sensible lines, commit fully when you do go for it, and accept that par is never a bad score here with some of the par 4s clocking well over 400 yards.
Review
What golfer doesn’t want to finish on a par 5 with a birdie in mind? Dalmahoy constantly dangles the carrot, giving you the belief that something is there for the taking - but that stick is always a little longer than it looks.
Dalmahoy is a course that never lets you drift - and that’s exactly why it’s such an enjoyable round.
It opens with intent. A par 5 to start, another to finish the front nine, and then the same again to close the round. From the off, you’re given opportunity.
For much of the round, the course feels generous. Fairways invite you in, tee shots build confidence, and the par 5s tempt you to be bold. But Dalmahoy is clever. Just when you start to feel comfortable, it tightens its grip.
Holes 13 and 14 are the turning point. The water down the right-hand side is far closer than it looks - even standing over what feels like a sensible iron. It’s not unfair, but it is honest, and it exposes hesitation quickly.
What really stood out was the condition. After weeks of heavy rain across Scotland, the course played superbly. Greens were rolling far closer to summer pace than winter expectation - to the point where a few of us were caught out, assuming the ball would die quicker than it did. Fairways were immaculate, rough was tidy, and drainage was excellent throughout. This is clearly a venue that takes pride in year-round presentation.
Off the course, Dalmahoy delivers the full resort experience. Welcoming staff, relaxed atmosphere, and everything running smoothly. It’s the kind of place where golf and hospitality complement each other rather than compete.
Must Know Tips
- 1Winter greens here are proper greens - pace and roll need full respect
- 2Drainage is excellent, even after heavy rain
- 3The course subtly tightens as the round goes on
- 4Being on the fairway really is key, well placed trees can block out greens quickly.
Signature Holes
Hole 13
This is where the tone of the round shifts. The fairway tightens, the visuals change, and suddenly everything feels a bit closer than it did for the previous 12 holes. The water down the right isn’t dramatic - it’s just there, quietly messing with your head. Even with a 5 iron that I felt I hit down middle (nearly a club twirl) I was only only 10 feet left of the water. Left is your friend.
Hole 14
If 13 asks the question, 14 waits to see if you actually listened. Similar pressure, similar visuals, and very little forgiveness if you switch off. It’s a proper momentum hole - get through this stretch intact and you feel like you’ve earned it
Hole 18
A brilliant way to finish. Everything Dalmahoy has been doing all day comes together here. It’s a genuine birdie chance, but only if you’ve got something left in the tank mentally and your scorecard isn't moving towards 3 figures. We debated for a good couple of minutes if we could clear the burn with our drivers (I was out of that conversation thankfully). Ben achieved it, and thats the part of golf that keeps you coming back. One of my favourite 18th holes.
Best Suited For
Our Scores
Difficulty Profile
Recommended Handicap Range
0-25