Ardglass Golf Club

It is difficult to find a more spectacular links course than Ardglass in Northern Ireland, which is close to and therefore combines perfectly with a trip to Royal County Down. Proudly boasting the oldest clubhouse in the world, of which parts date back to 1405, a visit to this historic links will exceed all expectations.

The Irish Sea can be seen from all 18 tees and greens and comes into play on no fewer than 8 holes, and as you would imagine the wind plays a crucial role. The course itself dates back to 1896 with an initial 7-hole layout measuring less than 1000 yards. It wasn’t really until the 1960s that today’s magnificent layout was formed.

Ardglass Golf Course overview

There are not many opening holes better than at Ardglass, which plays away from the clubhouse, heading out along the craggy coastline with the sea in play from the off. There are some truly spectacular holes, not least in the brilliant back-nine loop that has been favorably compared to Pebble Beach.

A par-70 and less than 6300 yards from the tips, Ardglass is not long however don’t let that fool you. With dramatic elevation changes, undulating fairways, tricky pot bunkers, and slick greens combined with the inevitable seaside winds, accurate shot-making is required.

Signature Holes

The opening five holes are truly memorable as they wind along the edge of the cliff tops, with the 167-yard par-3 2nd being the signature. Called “Howd’s Hole’ and with a tee shot played across a rocky inlet to a seemingly small putting surface in the distance.

Did You Know?

The clubhouse was originally a 14th century castle that was once the home of the Fitzgeralds, Earls of Kildare.