Spotlight on… Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is home to some of the world’s top golfers and the courses they grew up on. Belfast—Northern Ireland’s capital and the second largest city on the island of Ireland—is home to the Golfing Union of Ireland, the governing body for men’s amateur golf in Ireland and the oldest golfing union in the world. With courses both close to the city and further afield, Belfast is a gateway to some of the most beautiful clubs in the UK and Ireland.
Here are some top places to play …
Galgorm Castle Golf Club
Galgorm Castle Golf Club, home of the NI Open, is only 40 minutes from Belfast City Centre and is well worth a visit. Nestled in a stunning 220-acre estate, the course is just one example of spectacular golf in Northern Ireland.
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Ballycastle Golf Club
Ballycastle Golf Club has an interesting layout that offers a fair amount of challenges plus outstanding views of the surrounding area. Opened in 1890, it is one of the oldest golf clubs in Ireland. The Rivers Margy and Carey border Ballycastle Golf Club’s first five holes, and the ruins of Bonamargy Abbey, which date back to the 12th century, also make an appearance.
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Hilton Templepatrick Golf Course
Tee off at the award-winning Hilton Templepatrick Golf Course. The course remains fully playable all year thanks to the USGA-specification greens and tees, and it is still the only David Feherty & David Jones-designed course in Ireland. Hilton Templepatrick offers more than 7,000 yards of challenging fairways and greens, interspersed with lakes and mature parkland.
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Roe Park Golf Resort
Roe Park Golf Club in Limavady is open to both guests of the luxury Roe Park Resort—a historic riverside estate—and visitors. Set among stunning natural beauty, the 18-hole parkland golf course takes advantage of its setting, with both Lough Foyle and the Inishowen Peninsula providing a backdrop. The layout includes a few difficult water hazards, and the 265-yard, par-4 15th provides a challenge for all but the longest hitters.
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Massereene Golf Club
Set on the shores of Lough Neagh, Massereene Golf Club is one of the finest parkland courses in Northern Ireland. The first hole is an indication of what challenges lie ahead; going out in 35 the tree-lined front nine is scattered with well-placed bunkers. As the golfer reaches the top of the seventh hill, they are greeted by a breathtaking view of the Lough and the fantastic new clubhouse. Massereene Golf Club is a terrific challenge and a wonderful day out.
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For more great tee times in Northern Ireland check out these great destinations!
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