Focus on alignment, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Putting18-30 min17 HCP3 drills
Aim32%
Stroke28%
Alignment23%
Practice Programs
Complete Golf Practice Blueprint for Narin & Portnoo Links
Discover tailored practice programs for this course.
Total Programs
13
13 complete programs built for this course
Unique Drills
64
Total unique drills across all programs
Skill Pillars
11
Accuracy · Aim · Alignment · Dispersion · Distance Control · Mechanics
Session Durations
6
3 days , 4 days , 5 days , 6 days , 8 days , 9 days
AccuracyAimAlignmentDispersionDistance ControlMechanics+5 more
Nairn and Portnoo Practice Profile
We've mapped a comprehensive practice profile for Nairn and Portnoo, identifying the specific skills this course demands most. The skill distribution below shows which areas of your game will be tested most frequently based on the hole-by-hole analysis (hole handicaps, stroke index, yardage, etc.), while the handicap ranges indicate the typical player profiles who perform well here.
Focus your practice on these key skills to maximize improvement and lower your scores. Check the practice programs below for targeted drills that address these specific skills.
Skill Distribution
Distance Control 31%Scoring 28%Aim 15%Precision 12%Dispersion 12%
Handicap Performance Insights
The handicap ranges shown represent the typical performance levels for this course. Players within these ranges can expect competitive scores, while those outside may yield benefits or may need additional practice in the highlighted skill areas to perform at their best.
17.6
Average HCP
10.2
Minimum HCP
32.6
Maximum HCP
Top Drills
Featured Drills for Nairn and Portnoo
Most-used drills from for this course. Practice as standalone drills or scroll down for full programs.
Putting30 min
Putting Aid: Chalk Line, 50 in Row
Make 50 putts in a row over the chalk starting line.
Short Game26 min
Pitch| Scattered Piles | 3 Landing Zones
Scatter a bucket of balls (avg. bucket is 40 balls) into 8 equal piles of 5 balls and hit-and-land pitch shots inside landing zones. Count the number of successes.
Driving Range31 min
Mid irons (7,6,5) | L-R and R-L 9 Targets
Hit 5 balls to each randomly selected target while producing left-to-right and right-to-left shots, using mid irons only. Hit one bucket of ~50 balls.
Driving Range31 min
Mid irons (7,6,5) | PAR 3 Challenge
Complete the PAR 3 Challenge using mid irons only. Hit one bucket of ~50 balls.
Driving Range31 min
Mid irons (7,6,5) | 9 Targets
Hit 5 balls to each target using mid irons only. Hit one bucket of ~50 balls. Count total number of successful shots.
Putting30 min
Putting Aid: Plane Board, Ball Gate, 50 in a Row
Make 50 putts in a row through the ball gate, using plane board.
Course Details
Everything you need to know about Nairn and Portnoo.
Contact Information
📞
Phone
+44 (0)1250 872622
📠
Fax
+44 (0) 1250 872622
✉️Email
info@nandplinks.com
Giving lessons at Narin & Portnoo Links? Get featured here.
Facilities
✓Driving Range
✓Putting Green
✓Chipping Green
✓Practice Bunker
✓Motor Cart
✓Pull Cart
✓Golf Clubs Rental
✗Club Fitting
✓Pro Shop
✓Golf Lessons
✗Caddie Hire
✓Restaurant
✓Reception Hall
✓Changing Room
✓Lockers
✗Lodging on Site
Location
Narin
Course Description
Narin and Portnoo Links is a historic golf club on the Donegal coast in northwest Ireland. The course blends ocean, dunes, and linksland to create a premier seaside golf experience, renovated by renowned designers Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner. It offers playing, dining, and visitor experiences, highlighting its dramatic vistas and traditional Irish links setting. The club emphasizes a classic yet world-class links golf in a picturesque Irish coastal location.
irish links golf • donegal golf • sea views • golf course renovation • gil hanse design • jim wagner design • links golf ireland • visitor tee times • golf tourism • coastal golf • golf vacations ireland • historic golf course • narin portnoo • donegal coast golf • golf • links course • historic site • golf design • Ireland • outdoor recreation • tourism • archaeology • recreation
Course Information
Holes
18
Par
73
Type
Links
Architect
Hughie McNeill, Leo Wallace, Eddie Connaughton
Opened
1930
Google Reviews
Business Claimed
⭐N/A(0 reviews)
View on Google MapsNarin & Portnoo Links Social Media Presence
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Programs
Skill-Based Practice Programs for Nairn and Portnoo
We studied the course layout and prepared practice programs to lower your scores. The programs are purpose-built for each tee to align with the course strategy. Each program consists of curated drills, with pre-defined modules designed to deliver results.
Filter programs by category (select one)
Showing 13 Programs
% match to course practice profileFeel the green, for a 21-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Short Game~26 min21 HCP5 drills
Scoring44%
Distance Control32%
Visualization24%
Land 2 feet from pin, for a 6-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Short Game~26 min5 HCP5 drills
Distance Control24%
Aim17%
Scoring14%
Control woods rollout, for a 7-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Driving Range30-31 min7 HCP5 drills
Distance Control32%
Scoring18%
Accuracy15%
13 Week Flagship Program for Nairn and Portnoo
A complete and progressive long-term development curriculum mapped from easier to harder drills, specifically for Nairn and Portnoo. Start with the basics and work your way towards more challenging drills. Commit to 13 weeks of training and get in proper shape. Four days counts as a week.
Week 1≤ 3 days
Putting · 3 ft (1m) only
Aim To Hit Center Every Time
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 17.0
Weeks 1–3≤ 7 days
Short Game · Bump'n'Run
Get your feet, hips, and clubface working together for pure contact
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 29.0
Weeks 4–5≤ 5 days
Short Game · Bump'n'Run
Master the art of touch: no more long comeback putts
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 28.0
Weeks 5–6≤ 4 days
Short Game · Pitch
Up-and-down contest: how many can you save in a row?
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 24.0
Weeks 6–7≤ 5 days
Short Game · Mixed
Feel the green: mixed shots to different distances and control your rollout
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 21.0
Weeks 7–8≤ 6 days
Short Game · Sand
Set your sights on the flag: aim for a soft landing
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 18.0
Weeks 9–10≤ 7 days
Driving Range · Short irons (9,8)
Control Short Iron Flight
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Week 11≤ 3 days
Driving Range · Driver
Improve Driver Accuracy
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 17.0
Weeks 11–13≤ 6 days
Driving Range · Wedges (LW,SW,GW,PW)
Wedge Distance Control
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 17.0
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Improve driver accuracy, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Driving Range~31 min17 HCP3 drills
Scoring27%
Dispersion20%
Precision17%
Feel the green, for a 28-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Short Game~26 min28 HCP5 drills
Distance Control35%
Scoring29%
Dispersion16%
Turn into birdies, for a 25-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Short Game~26 min24 HCP4 drills
Scoring29%
Alignment23%
Aim18%
Square up, for a 29-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Short Game~26 min29 HCP9 drills
Alignment27%
Distance Control23%
Scoring20%
Aim for soft landing, for a 19-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Short Game~26 min18 HCP6 drills
Aim32%
Distance Control30%
Scoring15%
Unlock Your Golf Potential
Get personalized coaching and custom training programs tailored to your game.
Get StartedHit within 3-5 yards, for a 6-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Driving Range30-31 min6 HCP6 drills
Distance Control37%
Scoring18%
Dispersion12%
Stop missing greens, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Driving Range~31 min35 HCP8 drills
Precision32%
Mechanics23%
Trajectory17%
Improve accuracy, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Driving Range30-43 min17 HCP6 drills
Distance Control26%
Scoring26%
Trajectory17%
Precision mid-irons, for a 1-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Driving Range~31 min0 HCP3 drills
Distance Control30%
Scoring23%
Aim13%
2026
Prepare for Tournaments at Nairn and Portnoo
Follow a complete multi-week structured practice program ahead of the upcoming events and arrive prepared.
No upcoming tournaments at this time.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Nairn and Portnoo
Get answers to common questions about playing Nairn and Portnoo and what to expect.
How difficult is Nairn and Portnoo for mid-handicap golfers?
Nairn and Portnoo presents a demanding test. This slope level makes it manageable compared to championship venues. The course rating of 70 reflects on scoring relative to par 73.
What tees should a 15 handicap play at Nairn and Portnoo?
A 15 handicap golfer should consider tees closer to 6000 yards. The back tees extend to 6500 yards, which makes approach shots longer and scoring more challenging.
What is considered a good score at Nairn and Portnoo?
With a course rating of 70 and par 73, a mid-handicap golfer would typically score in the mid to high 80s. Stronger players aiming to break 73 must manage approach shots and avoid penalty strokes.
How long is Nairn and Portnoo and how does yardage affect play?
Stretching to 6500 yards from the back tees, it does not overwhelm length but rewards accuracy.
What type of course is Nairn and Portnoo and how should I play it?
The course follows a traditional Links design philosophy. Overall, the setup will reward players who place the ball in safe positions far from hazards. Also, type of shot is more crucial rather than just trying to gain distance.
What features make Nairn and Portnoo strategically challenging?
The combination of a slope rating of 120 and yardage reaching 6500 yards creates consistent pressure on approach shots. You will need to balance risk and reward, especially on longer par 4s and protected greens.
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Same Architect
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Nairn and Portnoo
Narin & Portnoo Links
Portnoo, Donegal