
East Clare Course
East Clare Golf Club
About this course
East Clare Golf Club sits in the rolling countryside near Bodyke in County Clare, in the heart of Ireland's midlands. The course was designed by Arthur Spring, a respected Irish architect known for routing courses through natural terrain with minimal earthmoving. The layout takes advantage of the area's gentle hills and pastoral landscape, typical of the Clare region, creating a course that feels integrated into its surroundings rather than imposed upon them. The eighteen holes move through a mix of open parkland and tree-lined passages, with the topography providing natural definition to fairways and greens. Spring's design philosophy emphasizes strategic play over length, encouraging golfers to think their way around the course. The routing likely makes good use of the site's elevation changes to create variety in shot-making demands, from elevated tees to approaches into greens set at different levels. East Clare serves the local golfing community and visitors exploring the Clare region, which offers a quieter alternative to the better-known coastal links courses nearby. The club maintains the character typical of Irish inland courses: welcoming membership, a focus on the playing experience, and often a strong social tradition centered on the clubhouse. The course provides a genuine test of golf without the formality or cost associated with championship venues, making it a valued fixture in the regional golf landscape.
Quick facts
- Location
- Bodyke, Clare, IE
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1997
- Designer
- Arthur Spring
- Holes
- 18
- Par
- 71
- Length
- 6,011 yards
- Difficulty
- 72.5/134
Getting there
East Clare Golf Club sits in the gentle limestone hills of County Clare, most easily reached via Shannon Airport (SNN), roughly ninety minutes south by car through the rolling pastures and stone-walled farmland that define Ireland's west. The drive winds inland from the coast, passing through small villages and alongside the River Shannon's tributaries, before arriving at Bodyke - a quiet corner of the Irish midlands where the club's modest but welcoming clubhouse emerges from moorland that feels both intimate and timeless. For those with access to private aviation, Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC) offers a closer alternative, though Shannon remains the primary gateway for most international visitors. The final approach to East Clare is unhurried and authentic, a fitting introduction to a course that prioritizes the pure experience of golf over the trappings of grandeur.

FAQ
Common questions about East Clare
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
East Clare was designed by Arthur Spring.
Yes. East Clare is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at East Clare is 71.
East Clare plays 6,011 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at East Clare is 134.
East Clare is a 18-hole course.



