The Dunluce Links is rightly regarded as one of the most challenging and spectacular links golf courses in the world. It was the venue for the 148th and 153rd Open Championships. The course is named after the nearby ruins of the medieval Dunluce Castle, which lies on the edge of a basalt cliff overlooking the sea between Portrush and Portballintrae. The original course, with its breathtaking views of the Atlantic, was created by Harry Colt. In 2015, the course began to be redesigned under the direction of Martin Ebert with a view to hosting the Open in 2019. In the 18 months that followed, five new greens, eight new tee boxes, 10 new bunkers and two new holes, the 7th and 8th, were created. The result is a great layout that is challenging for any golfer. Situated next to its more famous sister course Dunluce Links, the Valley Links is an insider tip in Royal Portrush. One of the two qualifying rounds for the North of Ireland Open Championship is played annually on this championship course. The course is located in War Hollow, which is said to have been the scene of a historic battle in 1102. There are only 18 bunkers on the 18 holes of the Valley Course. Nevertheless, the natural hazards are so challenging that the course is a tough test even for low handicap players and accuracy is required on approach shots to the small and cleverly placed greens.