Hackett 18 Course
Belmullet, Mayo, IE
Carne Golf Links, carved into the wild and untamed northwest coast of County Mayo, stands as a monument to raw, unyielding beauty. The land, sculpted by the Atlantic winds and waves, delivers a pure links experience unlike almost any other. The final hole, Hackett 18, embodies that spirit. Eddie Hackett, the original architect, saw the potential in this remote stretch of dunesland in the 1990s. Later, Ally McIntosh, added 9 holes completing the 18 which made it playable. Hackett 18 presents a demanding par four that plays directly towards the clubhouse, often buffeted by unpredictable coastal winds. A blind tee shot over a towering dune complex requires both courage and precision. The approach, often played to an unseen green, must be judged with a keen eye and a trust in the wind’s dance. Carne's rugged isolation has fostered a unique camaraderie among its members and visitors. This is golf stripped back to its essence, where the challenge lies not in manicured perfection, but in conquering the elements and the land itself. While it is a pilgrimage to get to the course, Carne’s allure lies in its refusal to be tamed and it's a course that makes you want to book a tee time as soon as you've finished your round.
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Public: #20
Best in Ireland
Public: #4
Best in MAYO
Public: #2
Golfers say Carne delivers one of the most unique and memorable experiences in golf, with massive natural dunes creating an otherworldly, almost lunar landscape that feels untouched and timeless. Reviewers praise the remote setting and dramatic terrain, noting the course must be seen to be believed and that the journey to this isolated corner of Ireland proves more than worthwhile. Most find the routing spectacular across all 27 holes, with the towering dunes providing both solitude and astonishing visual drama that stands out even when played in harsh wind and rain. Several call it among the best courses they've played, with one declaring they'd happily play nowhere else for the rest of their life.
9.2
30 players
Raw, rural, authentic, rugged and unspoiled. Truly a fantastic walk.
This is probably the most unique golfing experience I’ve ever had. Also might be the best golf course I’ve played. It’s hard to explain but I promise you the trip out to Carne is more than worth it.
Have you ever wanted to play golf on the moon? If the answer is yes, then go play Carne. This was our first stop on our 8 course Ireland trip and when my buddy showed me where we were driving to from Galway I thought he was kidding. This is a true step back in time, the land has been sculpted by wind and water and untouched by man. Never change Carne, never change.
Played in 30-40 MPH winds and torrential rain and still one of my favorite days on any golf course
It feels foolish to rank a place that defies description, much less comparison. Simple and astonishing in the way a Cezanne is. Sure, there's more to want out of life, but why?
Must be seen to be believed. Fortunate to catch it on a good day and got in all 27. Truly spectacular day in many different senses of the word.
If I could only play one course for the rest of my life this would be it. Massive sand dunes make you feel like you’re the only person on the course. On a nice day, which granted given its location are rare, it’s golfing heaven. Needs to be seen to be appreciated.
Public courses closest to Hackett 18 at Carne Golf Course.
FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Hackett 18 at Carne Golf Course has a Course Vaults score of 9.2 out of 10 based on 24 explicit golfer ratings.
Hackett 18 was designed by Eddie Hackett.
Yes. Hackett 18 at Carne Golf Course is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Hackett 18 is 72.
Hackett 18 plays 6,702 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Hackett 18 is 124.
