Golf

Northern Ireland has produced some of the best golfers in the world. Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell, and Darren Clark have all experienced the incredible courses the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion has to offer. Come test out your irons on some of the best courses in the world.  

Play on World-Class Golf Courses 

The Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion is home to Golf Digest’s Number One Golf Course in the World, Royal County Down. For those who enjoy technical challenges, the course has seen some of the best players in the world play including golfing legends Tiger Woods and Tom Watson. Rory McIlroy is also a frequent visitor to the revered links. If you want a chance to play like the professionals, or even come face to face with a local legend, then head to Royal County Down.  A rare opportunity to test your skill against the glorious backdrop of Slieve Donard mountain. 

Follow in the footsteps of Champions

For those who appreciate history, head to Ardglass Golf Club, home of the oldest golf clubhouse in the world. Starting life as a 15th-century warehouse, the castle was added in 1405 to then become a family home in the 18th century. The course hugs the Irish Sea with panoramic views of the coastline.  

Another historical course, St. Patrick’s Golf Club began as an advertisement for a public meeting. It soon became a golf club. Beginning in 1930, they bought an army hut for the price of £30, later converting it to a clubhouse.

For those who like watching the water, Kilkeel Golf Club is found at the foot of the Mourne Mountains. Starting as a nine hole course in 1922, it took almost seventy years for Eddie Hackett to expand the layout to a full eighteen hole course. Walk through the mature trees which separate the fairways and enjoy the views of the lapping Carlingford Lough.  

Try your hand at Spa Golf Club’s eighteen hole course. Extended in 1989, this 6,500-yard course can be found just a mile away from the ancient market town of Ballynahinch. Come prepared to deal with the fairway bunkers - you will need to come up with a strategy to get around them! 

Warrenpoint Golf Club has made history on the world stage in its own right. Distinguished club member, Paddy Gribben won the European Amateur Open in 1999. Not only that, but the fastest round of golf in the world was played here by club member Jim Carvill. Come see if you can beat his time.  

We have plenty of golf courses to practice getting that hole in one.

Hidden Gems 

Located in the heart of South Armagh, Ashfield Golf Club is a scenic eighteen holes. Priding themselves on their scenery, Ashfield improves the flora of their course by planting thousands of trees every year, adding new lakes, maturing greens, and larger tee boxes. Embrace nature as you work on your putting form.  

Check out Bright Castle Golf Club for a different green. Bright Castle held the record for the longest golf hole in Europe for a number of years. The sixteenth hole measures 735 yards, so enjoy the challenge of an ace here.  

Considered a ‘hidden gem’ by all who play it, Cloverhill Golf Club is located in a designated area of outstanding beauty - the Ring of Gullion. Play around while taking some of the most beautiful, panoramic views on any course in the world. Make sure to check out ‘Amen Corner’ consisting of holes eight to twelve. This area stretches around the mountain and across the lake.  

Golf fans are passionate about the game and no more so than Joe Fegan. Joe set up Mayobridge Golf Club in 1999. A passion project, he and his son Shane designed the grounds themselves, growing the nine hole course to an eighteen hole within a matter of years. Look out for Murphy’s Cottage on the 11th hole which features on the Club logo.  

Play and Stay with Us  

If you are passionate about golf, we can offer play and stay offers, so you don’t have to wander too far from the course.

Or why not try our Heart of Down Golf Pass. It offers an exceptional opportunity to enjoy three rounds of golf across a selection of premier courses for just £120. To secure your pass and schedule your rounds, contact St. Patrick’s Golf Club today.