Golf guide to Northern Ireland

The quality and drama of the North’s links is not limited to the big two. Castlerock and Portstewart, practically next door to Royal Portrush, also carry impressive reputations, while the second courses at Royal County Down (Annesley) and Royal Portrush (Valley) give each Royal an added attraction.

Northern Ireland is also bursting with parklands, ranging from the grand Belvoir Park and Malone outside Belfast, to the elegant Nick Faldo-designed Lough Erne, where the five star resort hosted the G8 in 2013. Then there are the hidden gems scattered freely around the six counties. Links may prove the biggest draw but as you drive those 90 miles from one Royal to another, there are many intriguing detours to take.

For those interested in non-golf activities, Northern Ireland has spectacular scenery, cities steeped in history, culture at every turn and a reputation for food and drink that goes far beyond the Bushmills Distillery, not that you should miss a chance to sample some of Ireland’s most renowned whiskey.

The list of high profile sights starts with the Giant’s Causeway, its fascinating hexagonal basalt rock formations rising and falling between cliffs and sea, where they were created 50 million years ago. It is one of the island’s biggest attractions but so too is Northern Ireland’s newest creation, the Titanic Centre sits on the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast, where the Titanic was built and launched in 1911.

Golf in Northern Ireland centres around three locations, Belfast, Royal County Down and the north Co. Antrim/Co. Derry coastline.

Belfast is the island’s second-largest city and with its two airports, it is the ideal starting point for any golfing expedition. A couple of days here will introduce you to a city that has evolved dramatically over the last 20 years. It can also provide a gentle warm-up for the links adventure to come.

From Belfast, the golf trail will undoubtedly take you north to the County Antrim coastline and Royal Portrush, or south, towards Newcastle and Royal County Down. For many golfers, Royal County Down is the promised land – a links created by Old Tom Morris in 1889, and updated and revised by the likes of Harry Colt and Harry Vardon. Old Tom’s original practice green remains and reflects the true speed of this championship course’s greens. With its blind shots, bearded bunkers and gorse and heather-covered dunes, this is a world-class adventure, packed with colour and intrigue. The backdrop of the Mourne Mountains and Dundrum Bay simply adds to the occasion.

There are tee shots here which will leave you speechless; the par three 4th is a world-class hole, hitting some 200 yards towards the Mourne Mountains and the par four 9th is the blindest drive you may ever face. Of all the North’s courses it needs to be played at least twice, or with a caddie.

The road east takes you away from the Mourne Mountains and towards Ardglass, a course that combines links and seaside holes overlooking Coney Island (of Van Morrison fame). The turbulent and spectacular opening salvo of holes stretches across the cliffs. The clubhouse’s castle foundations date back to the 14th century and canons behind the 1st tee are a none-too-subtle reminder that a fast round should be observed.

The route to the northern coastline takes you back through Belfast, where detours to nearby Royal Belfast, the second oldest club on the island, and Holywood, home to Rory McIlroy, will tempt many. Farther on, an idyllic stopover sits halfway between Belfast and Portrush on that eastern side of Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the UK.

Galgorm Castle Golf Club, outside Ballymena, is home to the Northern Irish Open, the 17th-century castle is also home to at least one ghost, while the nearby Galgorm Resort promises five-star luxury.

In much the same way that your arrival at Royal County Down is signalled by the Slieve Donard Hotel’s spire and the mountain backdrop, so are the ruins of the 16th century, Dunluce Castle, to announce your arrival at Royal Portrush. If you’ve been lucky, you might have enjoyed a detour to the Giant’s Causeway, or the Bushmills Distillery…or both.

A larger detour might be needed to accommodate fans of the HBO series, Game of Thrones, for there are several Co. Antrim locations used during filming, including the Dark Hedges.

Golfers can stay in Portrush, Portstewart, or in Limavady, where the Roe Park Resort has an 18 hole parkland course and extensive practice facilities. With such a tightly knitted group of courses, you could easily base yourself here for several days and enjoy quality links golf and Northern Irish hospitality.

Harry Colt’s Royal Portrush recently received a make-over by Martin Ebert in preparation for the 2019 Open Championship. Strategy and positioning are (and will remain) key and from the tee most of the hole and the challenges are visible. The views to the Skerries Reef and Donegal Hills will prove distracting on a course that demands every ounce of your attention.

Next door, Portstewart starts with a thundering nine holes diving into, up and over a dune landscape known as God’s Own Country. Many believe it to be the best opening nine on the island and the 1st hole, with its stunning 360-degree views, is an inspiring way to start. If the new clubhouse bar doesn’t tempt you after your round, try the famous Morelli’s ice cream in the village.

And next door again, lies Castlerock, completing this fine triumvirate of old links courses. It is too good to be called a hidden gem, but many treat it as such as Castlerock rarely receives the credit it deserves.

From here, it is a short transfer to Donegal and the courses of Ballyliffin, Rosapenna, North West and Portsalon, as well as Ireland’s enchanting North West coast.