Full Irish breakfast
links layout – over 35% of all championship-
standard links courses in the world are located
in Ireland – this fi ne 18-hole links course sits
in a natural setting, hugging the north-east
coast of Ireland, with stunning views, unique
golf holes and, memorably, truly memorable
people. Less than 2 hours from the Republic
of Ireland’s capital city, Dublin, under an hour
from Belfast city centre, Ardglass is a true
test of golf; with a capricious and ubiquitous
wind together with fi rm, narrow fairways and
tight, fast and well-protected greens, this is a
golf course where touch and feel will outwit
the yardage chart, links golf as it was always
meant to be. Finally, also the Belfast area,
Royal Belfast, another Harry Colt creation
is, at 137-years-old, the oldest golf course in
Ireland – North and South – is also a delight
to play, part parkland but with Belfast Lough
invariably in view – if not always in play –
it is close to Hollywood, home town of one
Rory McIlroy who is an honorary member
of and said to be a regular visitor to Royal
62 G o l Building
f P l u Bridges,
s Northern
D E Ireland’s
CEMBER
‘Troubles’ are thankfully consigned to history
Eat, Drink and be Merry, Northern Ireland’s Hospitality is Second to None
Belfast. Playing golf in Northern Ireland is
amongst the most welcoming and evocative
experiences available in the royal and ancient
game; it may not lay claim to be the founder
of golf, or to boast the oldest course, but
authenticity is very much the name of the
game, front and centre, no frills. Weather
is invariably a factor, temperate, warm and
damp in summer, springtime and autumn
are ideal, whilst playing golf is more than
bearable throughout the winter months,
especially over the plethora of seaside
courses, and fi ve key factors defi ne golf in
this offshore corner of the United Kingdom.
First, there is, for such a small territory,
both quantity and quality prevail, courses
invariably well-tended, but in a natural,
unfussy fashion; whether links or parkland,
greens are fast and true, courses invariably
fair. Second, Northern Ireland’s 80-plus
golf courses represent exceptional value for
money, even the fi nest courses such as Royal
Portrush, Royal County Down or Lough
Erne will not set you back a King’s ransom,
encouraging to return visits to try other
courses or to relive past pleasures.
But third, and most importantly, the
people, from club secretaries to green-
keeping staff, caddies, members whose home
course and facilities one might be sharing
to those involved in Northern Ireland’s
renowned food and drink service, authentic,
friendly welcomes invariably await, a feature
prominent in the Northern Irish DNA.
Importantly, as part of an island, Northern
Ireland is remarkably east to get to – and from
– and once you are there, travelling distances
are ready-made for a relaxing holiday, be it
an annual vacation or short break. By air,
Northern Ireland is well served by its two
Belfast airports, Belfast International and
the city centre George Best International,
between them connecting much of Europe
and beyond, Derry Airport servicing the
North West has a more restricted range, but is
well connected to the UK hub airports.
And there’s an alternative to getting to
and from Northern Ireland, by ferry, from
the west coast of England and Scotland, the
choice of ‘Superfast,’ taking a couple of
hours, a more leisurely eight-hours between
Belfast and Liverpool, either way, all part
of the experience with golf clubs remaining
2018
fi rmly in the car.
And last, but not least, the question of
cost. Golf, by its very nature – start-up costs
of clubs, tuition and clothing - isn’t cheap,
whilst club membership is under pressure
from pay-to-play as golfers of all abilities and
all around the world seek value-for-money.
And, with Northern Ireland, there’s the cost
of getting there, not as great as one might
expect on an island they say is, ‘Made for
golf, which, unlike many marketing claims
may just be true. Visitor green fees in the
Province refl ect the quality and status of the
course being played, and what time of year,
although, ‘Trophy’ courses tend to be less
expensive than on the UK mainland and
certainly the USA. With the clock counting
down to the 148th Open Championship and
its return after too long a time to Northern
Ireland, the focus of attention will inevitably
be on the golf in the Province, but, let there
be no doubt, there is more than enough
class and a warm enough welcome to
ensure that, all things being equal, it won’t
be another 68 years before the world’s
greatest championship crosses the Irish Sea
once more. Whether the sun is splitting the
skies or an Atlantic gale is blowing the rain
in horizontal, golf in Northern Ireland is
truly authentic, the quintessential golfi ng
experience, warm hospitality assured, much
more to do and see once the fi nal putt has
been holed. And, with clubs and courses
invariably offering the warmest welcome
in the entire UK, accessibility is always
assured, locals happy to welcome visitors to
their home course with open arms throughout
their visit, including the infamous 19th hole.
Affordability, both on and off the golf course
is also a key factor in playing anywhere in
Ireland, two-fi gures much more prevalent
than three for an exceptional 18-holes, food
and drink, in the clubhouse or in one of
the many small towns that support the golf
tourism sector high on provenance, low on
cost. Triple-A golf, Affordable, Accessible
and Authentic, it’s as good as it gets, and with
The Open soon to return to Northern Ireland
for the fi rst time almost in living memory, it’s
where the action is, both on and off the golf
course.
www.discovernorthernireland.com /
www.tourismni.com / www.theopen.com