The Best 10 Golf Courses In Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is home to a vibrant golfing scene and has produced some of the world's most renowned golfers. The country is known for its picturesque links courses and stunning scenery, which attracts golfers from around the world.

One of the most notable courses in Northern Ireland is Royal Portrush Golf Club, which has hosted numerous professional events, including the Open Championship in 2019. Other notable courses include Royal County Down Golf Club and Portstewart Golf Club.

The country also has a strong amateur golfing scene, with numerous golf clubs and societies hosting regular competitions and events. The Golfing Union of Ireland oversees amateur golf in Northern Ireland, while the Irish Ladies Golf Union manages women's golf.

Northern Ireland has produced several top-level golfers, including Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke, Graeme McDowell, and Shane Lowry. These golfers have helped to put Northern Ireland on the map as a premier golfing destination, and their success has inspired many young players to take up the sport.

The golf ecosystem in Northern Ireland is thriving, with a range of courses, events, and talented players that contribute to a vibrant and exciting golfing scene.

Castlerock Golf Club - Castlerock, Northern Ireland

Castlerock Golf Club is a championship links golf course located in the village of Castlerock, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. The club was established in 1901 and has since been a popular destination for golfers from around the world.

The club has two 18-hole courses, the Mussenden Links and the Bann Links, both of which offer stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding countryside. The Mussenden Links course, designed by legendary golf course architect, Ben Sayers, has hosted several high-profile events, including the Irish Amateur Championship, the Irish Professional Championship, and the British Ladies Amateur Championship.

Castlerock Golf Club has received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including being named as one of the top 100 courses in Ireland by Golf Digest in 2019. The club has also been recognized for its commitment to sustainability, receiving the GEO Certified® award for golf course management and maintenance practices that promote environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and economic viability.

Royal County Down Golf Club - Newcastle, Northern Ireland

Royal County Down Golf Club is a private golf club located in Newcastle, County Down, Northern Ireland. It is situated in a stunning location on the eastern coast of Northern Ireland, with views of the Irish Sea and the Mountains of Mourne.

The club was founded in 1889 and has since established a reputation as one of the finest golf clubs in the world. The club features two 18-hole courses, the Championship Course and the Annesley Links Course. The Championship Course is widely regarded as one of the most challenging and scenic golf courses in the world, with the ninth hole often cited as one of the best holes in golf.

Royal County Down has hosted many prestigious golf events over the years, including the Walker Cup in 2007 and the Irish Open in 2015. The club has also been consistently ranked among the top golf courses in the world by publications such as Golf Digest and Golf World, and was ranked as the number one golf course outside of the United States by Golf Digest in 2016.

The club is known for its traditional and welcoming atmosphere, and its commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. It remains a popular destination for golfers from around the world who come to play on its world-class courses and experience the stunning scenery of Northern Ireland.

Royal Portrush Golf Club - County Antrim, Northern Ireland

Royal Portrush Golf Club is a private golf club located in Portrush, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The club was founded in 1888 and features two 18-hole courses, the Dunluce Links Course and the Valley Links.

The Dunluce Links Course is the club's championship course and is widely regarded as one of the best links courses in the world. It has hosted many prestigious events, including the Open Championship in 1951 and again in 2019, making it one of only 10 courses outside of Scotland to have hosted the championship.

Royal Portrush is known for its stunning coastal location, challenging courses, and warm and welcoming atmosphere. The club is committed to promoting the game of golf and offers a range of services and facilities for golfers of all ages and abilities.

Over the years, Royal Portrush has won numerous awards and accolades, including being named “Best Golf Course in the World” by Golf.com in 2019. The club is also actively involved in supporting local charities and community initiatives, and has a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.

Portstewart Golf Club - Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland

Portstewart Golf Club is a championship links golf course located on the scenic Causeway Coast of Northern Ireland. The club was founded in 1894 and has since expanded to include three courses: The Strand Course, The Riverside Course, and The Old Course.

The Strand Course is the championship course and has been the venue for several high-profile tournaments, including the 2017 Dubai Duty-Free Irish Open. The course is known for its challenging links layout and stunning coastal views, and has been ranked among the top courses in the world by Golf Digest and Golf World.

In addition to its championship courses, Portstewart Golf Club offers a range of facilities, including a driving range, practice area, and pro shop. The club also hosts regular events and competitions for members and visitors.

Portstewart Golf Club has received numerous accolades over the years, including being named the Golf Digest Irish Club of the Year in 2019. The club has also been praised for its commitment to sustainability, with initiatives to reduce waste and promote biodiversity on its grounds.

Ardglass Golf Club - Ardglass, Northern Ireland

Ardglass Golf Club is a scenic links golf course located on the east coast of Northern Ireland. The club was founded in 1896 and has since expanded to include a full range of facilities, including a clubhouse, pro shop, and practice areas.

The course at Ardglass is known for its stunning coastal views and challenging layout, which features a mix of links and parkland holes. The course is set on a rocky promontory overlooking the Irish Sea, and several holes offer dramatic views of the coastline.

Ardglass Golf Club has hosted several high-profile events, including the 2018 Dubai Duty-Free Irish Open Qualifying, and has received numerous accolades over the years. The club has been ranked among the top courses in Ireland and the UK by Golf Digest and Golf World, and has been praised for its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Lough Erne Golf Resort - Enniskillen, Northern Ireland

Lough Erne Resort is a luxury 5-star hotel and golf resort located in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. The resort is situated on a 600-acre peninsula between Castle Hume Lough and Lower Lough Erne, offering stunning views of the surrounding lakes and countryside.

Lough Erne Resort boasts two championship golf courses, the Faldo Course and the Castle Hume Course. The Faldo Course, designed by six-time major winner Nick Faldo, has been consistently ranked as one of the top golf courses in Ireland and the UK since its opening in 2009.

Lough Erne Resort has received numerous awards and accolades for its world-class facilities and services. In 2020, the resort was named Northern Ireland's Leading Golf Resort and Northern Ireland's Leading Resort by the World Travel Awards. The Faldo Course was also named the Golf Digest Ireland Best Parkland Course in Ulster in 2020. Additionally, the resort has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability, receiving the Green Flag Award for Parks and Green Spaces in 2020 for its environmental efforts and practices.

Malone Golf Club - Belfast, Northern Ireland

Malone Golf Club is a private members club located in the Malone area of Belfast, Northern Ireland. The club was founded in 1895 and has since established itself as one of the premier golfing destinations in the country.

The club boasts a championship 27-hole golf course designed by CK Cotton, which has hosted numerous high-profile events over the years, including the Irish Open and the Irish PGA Championship. The course is set in mature parkland and offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all levels.

Malone Golf Club has received several awards and recognitions for its world-class facilities and services. In 2019, the club was named as one of the top 100 golf courses in Ireland by Golf Digest. The club has also been recognized for its commitment to sustainability, receiving the GEO Certified® award for golf course management and maintenance practices that promote environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and economic viability.

Ballycastle Golf Club - Ballycastle, Northern Ireland

Ballycastle Golf Club is a 18-hole golf course located in the seaside town of Ballycastle, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The club was founded in 1890 and has since been a popular destination for golfers seeking a challenging and enjoyable round of golf.

The course at Ballycastle Golf Club offers stunning views of the North Antrim Coastline and the surrounding countryside, providing golfers with a unique and memorable golfing experience. It is one of the most scenic courses in Northern Ireland and has a multitude of personalities from lush and historic parkland holes to wild links offerings and includes holes carved out amongst undulating dunes.

Ballycastle Golf Club has been recognized by Golf Digest as one of the top 100 golf courses in Ireland. The club has a strong reputation for its warm welcome and friendly atmosphere, making it a popular destination for golfers of all levels.

Kilkeel Golf Club - Kilkeel, Northern Ireland

Kilkeel Golf Club is a 18-hole championship golf course located in the town of Kilkeel, County Down, Northern Ireland. Established in 1924, it is a parkland course set in the stunning Mourne Mountains, with views of the Irish Sea.

Kilkeel Golf Club also boasts a range of facilities, including a modern clubhouse, driving range, and pro shop. The club has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular destination for golfers from Northern Ireland and beyond.

The Club has played host to the RCONTENTamp;A and Senior European Tour having been used as a qualifying Course for the British Amateur and Senior British Opens, also hosting PGA events. It has also been listed as one of the top 100 golf courses in Ireland by Golf Digest.

Warrenpoint Golf Club - Warrenpoint, Northern Ireland

Warrenpoint Golf Club is located in the seaside town of Warrenpoint, in County Down, Northern Ireland. The club was founded in 1893 and features an 18-hole parkland course that stretches over 6,500 yards. The course has been described as one of the most picturesque and challenging in Ireland, with stunning views of Carlingford Lough and the Mourne Mountains.

Warrenpoint Golf Club has hosted a number of prestigious golfing events, including the Irish Professional Championship and the Irish Close Championship. The club has also produced several notable players, including Ryder Cup player and European Tour winner, Ronan Rafferty.

The course has received several accolades, including being named as one of the top 100 golf courses in Ireland by Golf Digest, and has been described as one of the hidden gems of Irish golf.