World-famous links and stunning
9
Parkland Tracks
Ardglass Golf Club Type of course: Seaside/Links Length of course in yards: 6268 Par: 70
The dramatic layout of the course with several tees and greens overlooking the ocean gives it a really rugged feel. It is part links, part cliff-top in nature. The course meanders its way out to a headland, then winds its way back, offering some of the most thrilling views and play bar none.
Ballycastle Golf Club Type of course: Parkland/Links Length of course in yards: 5876 Par: 71
Established in 1890, Ballycastle Golf Club is a founding member of the Golfing Union of Ireland. Despite some additions over the years, the course has remained largely unchanged since its final layout in 1926. It provides some outstanding views, from the ancient Bonamargy Abbey to the panoramic backdrop of Glenshesk and the Causeway Coastal Route.
Castlerock Golf Club Type of course: Links Length of course in yards: Bann Course, 4892; Mussenden, 6780 - Blue Markers, 6481 - White Markers Par: Bann Course, 68; Mussenden, 73
Castlerock Golf Club sits on the scenic Causeway Coastal Route. Set among rolling sand dunes, it boasts eye-catching views of Donegal, Scotland and the Isle of Islay. There are 2 courses, the 18-hole Mussenden Course with firm fast greens, and the 9-hole Bann Course, which gets golfers closer to the sea again.
Portstewart Golf Club Type of course: Links Length of course in yards: Strand, 7118; Riverside, 5715; Old, 3822 Par: Strand, 72; Riverside, 68; Old, 64
Home to three 18-hole courses, Portstewart Golf Club offers an abundance of challenges to golfers of all abilities. The indisputable jewel in Portstewart’s crown is the Strand Course, which tested the players at 2017’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.
Royal County Down Type of course: Links Length of course in yards: Championship, 7186; Annesley, 4594 Par: Championship, 71; Annesley, 67
Royal County Down is located in the naturally beautiful links setting of Murlough Nature Reserve, where the links stretch along the shores of Dundrum Bay. Narrow ribbons of fairways, dotted with the famous ‘bearded’ bunkers, thread their way through sand dunes surrounded by heather and gorse .
Royal Portrush Golf Club Type of course: Links Length of course in yards: Dunluce, Championship, 7317, Medal, 6705; Valley, Championship, 6346, Medal, 6107 Par: Dunluce, 72; Valley, 71
The Dunluce Course at Portrush hosted the first ever Open Championship held in Ireland in 1951, during which only two golfers managed to break 70. The course was put to the test again in 2019, when The Open returned. The course won praise from players, fans and worldwide audiences. It was again featured in Golf Digest’s top ten courses in the world in 2019. The club is set to host The 153rd Open in 2025.
