5 Halloween Spooks near the Course
Let’s be honest, golfers are a unique bunch. Throughout the Autumn and Winter months we tackle some of the most frightening conditions for the love of the game. Bar a three-putt, a shanked tee-shot or a downhill lie in the bunker, there’s not a whole lot that can scare us. So this Halloween season we’ll need to get our spooks elsewhere. We’ve done our research and picked out 5 of the UK & Ireland’s most haunted destinations….and yes, of course they are all conveniently located within a few minutes of a great golf course available to book on GolfNow.
Scotland
South Bridge Vaults: Prestonfield Golf Club
We’re teeing off our spooky trip across the UK & Ireland in Scotland, just two miles out from the centre of Edinburgh you’ll find the wonderful Prestonfield Golf Club. This beautiful parkland test was designed by the world renowned, James Braid and is sure to catch the eye of all golfers. Playable all year round, this is the perfect location for any tourists visiting the capital.
For an eerie excursion post round, you’ll want to make the trip to South Bridge Vaults – just 1.5miles from the first teebox. Constructed in the late 18th century the vaults were regarded as ‘cursed’ from the outset. Paranormal experts have claimed the vaults are one of the most haunted places in the UK with hundreds of sightings or activity on record, ranging from voices, apparitions to physical contacts resulting in bruises and scratches! In a strange twist, part of the vaults now operates as a bar and nightclub…think we’ll stick to an irn-bru in the hotel!
Ireland
Wicklow Gaol – Wicklow Golf Club
Next up, we’re off to Ireland and making the trip to the garden county, County Wicklow. Wicklow Golf Club is the first stop – a stunning track! Set between the mesmerising Wicklow Mountains and the Irish Sea, you’ll fall in love with this place before you even tee off. This picturesque parkland works it’s way along the Wicklow Bay and will challenge even the most skilled. A hidden gem and a must visit.
Visiting Dublin and the world famous Temple bar? Don’t rule out a trip to Wicklow GC, you can reach the course in less than an hour from Dublin city centre. We’re getting our frights much closer to the course however, 1km away to be precise! Wicklow’s historic Gaol is deemed to be one of Ireland’s most haunted destinations. The ‘Gaol’ or ‘Jail’ housed thousands of prisoners over the years and a home to horrendous atrocities. Many retell stories of prisoners who had been tortured and starved during their stint in Wicklow. Sightings have included a green mist floating before them, a man walking in front of the dayroom cells and a collection of guests once heard and saw a group of children crying……I think we might play 36!
England
Ostrich Inn – Richings Park
We’re back across the pond and grabbing 18 in Buckinghamshire, yes, we’re off to the wonderful Richings Park Golf Club. A superb 18-hole parkland test. Measuring up at 6,300 yards, this track (just 10 minutes from Heathrow Airport) currently recommended by 96.3% of the GolfNow golfers! Check it out for yourself!
Looking for a post round tipple? Ostrich Inn is the first of two ‘19th Hole’ suggestions to make this list. Why? Well quite simply it’s home to some truly terrifying accounts of ghostly action! The Inn dates back to 1106 and it’s fair to say, it is steeped in a dark history. With over 60 murders recorded at the building it comes as no surprise that even the most hardened of ghost hunters would turn down a night’s stay. Recent roadworks around the Inn have been blamed for sparking a new surge in paranormal activity including many sightings of a woman and her two ghostly daughters. If you don’t fancy it, Riching’s Parks GC also has the perfect post round set up!
Wales
Skirrid Mountain Inn – Monmouthshire Golf Club
Set in the beautiful and stunning Usk Valley and between Blorenge and Sugar Loaf mountains sits Monmouthshire Golf Club, a venue that boasts fantastic views as well as excellent golf. 18 wonderful Welsh tests…. But for some golfers, the 19th hole is where they show their best stuff.
So why not make the Skirrid Mountain Inn No.19?
Reason One: This is THE most haunted pub in Wales.
Reason Two: The spirits who reside here are not just ‘ghosts’ but 182(!) 17th century felons.
Reason Three: The evil hangman, who dealt the felons’ fateful final blow, yeah he’s regularly sighted here also. We’ll pass thanks.
Northern Ireland
Ballygally Castle – Cairndhu Golf Club
It’s not all doom and gloom, ghostly spirits don’t have to be scary, look at Casper! A friendly ghost is just the case at Ballygally Castle – but that didn’t stop this place being crowned most haunted castle in the UK & Ireland! Built in 1625, the castle remains home to the ghost of Lady Isabella Shaw. Legend has it that Lady Isabella has been roaming the corridors in search for her baby daughter, since she fell (she was pushed) to her death from the tower window.
Once you’ve caught up with Lady I, be sure to tee it up! You’ll find the sensational Cairndhu Golf Club just 1.5 miles from Isabella’s place. With incredible views of the Irish Sea, Cairndhu is one of the finest courses in East Antrim. Trust us, you’ll fall in love with the Par 3 2nd hole!
Where will you tee it up this Halloween weekend? Find a course near you and Go Play.