Ruddy's first design was at Castlecomer in the Irish midlands in 1969. As well as his own course at the European Club, he also designed Ballyliffin's Glashedy links and Rosapenna's Sandy Hills links from concept to completion. Among the other Irish courses he has made significant contributions to are County Sligo, Ballyliffin Old, Rosapenna's Old Tom Morris/Pat Ruddy links, Portsalon and Donegal.