AND golf courses in The Telegraph's top 7 'must visit' list

25th March 2024

Copyright - The Telegraph 'Seven of Northern Ireland’s must-visit golf courses by John O'Ceallaigh, 7 March 24

We couldn't agree more with The Telegraph's John O'Ceallaigh, "It’s a glorious time for golf in Northern Ireland.

"In September the Royal County Down Golf Club will host the 2024 Amgen Irish Open, a world-class tournament attended by passionate golf fans from throughout the island of Ireland and beyond. In July 2025, Antrim’s Royal Portrush Golf Club will host the 153rd Open and it’s set to be a showstopper. It had taken 68 years for The Open to return to Northern Ireland before the 148th iteration was held at Royal Portrush in 2019, but it was such a success (attracting one of the largest crowds ever) that it’s back in the same spectacular setting just six years later.

These high-profile events have brought into focus a fact that keen golfers have known forever – you’ll find some of the world’s best golfing in Northern Ireland. And it’s not just the standard of the courses that stands out. Whenever you play, you’re moments from majestic natural wonders and centuries of history."

Here is a little bit about our two golf courses that feature in the article...

The Royal Belfast Golf Club, Holywood

The oldest golf club on the island of Ireland, this picturesque inland golf course on the shores of Belfast Lough is coloured by groves of canary yellow gorse in spring. With its clubhouse occupying a former manor house dating to 1852, this is a setting with a strong pedigree and a true sense of community. Look out for the curios and memorabilia on display (from old clubs to golfing attire from days of yore) as you explore the clubhouse’s handsome bars and restaurants.

Holywood Golf Club

Embedded in the Holywood Hills and overlooking Belfast Lough, this social and sophisticated parkland course features top-class facilities and incorporates a state-of-the-art gym. It’s also the famed home of Rory McIlroy – the locally raised superstar earned his stripes here before going on to dominate the golfing world. As such it’s an inspiring place popular with young golfers nurturing their own love for the sport, many of them no doubt motivated by the McIlroy-related memorabilia on display throughout the club – most notably, the replica Claret Jug, US Open and USPGA trophies he received after his victories at those tournaments that are shown here at various dates throughout the year.

Read the full article here.

Pictured: The Royal Belfast Golf Club, Holywood

Find out more about Golf in Ards and North Down.