Malone Clubhouse
A short distance from the aforementioned
Portrush, neighbouring Portstewart is another
fine course that will be well known to golfers
who love their links, and the seaside town offers
plenty of options for somewhere to base yourself
for a weekend of sporting adventure.
Not all of the courses have such A-list credentials
as Portrush, Portstewart and Royal County Down
but some of the lesser-known destinations can
provide thrills just as large.
Ardglass golf links, a half-hour away from RCD,
is a must-play among must-plays. This is cliff-top
golf par excellence, and on some of the holes
you’ll have to play your ball over yawning chasms
that drop inexorably into the sea below.
The clubhouse – the oldest one in the world,
no less – sets the tone beautifully. The ancient
building always provides a warming welcome
inside, and the multiple canons outside point
towards the course as if to say ‘well… what are we
waiting for? Let’s go!’
Galgorm Golf Resort
Notice the way they point away from the waves
crashing against the rocks on the left of the
fairway – and take the hint. In trying to find the
tiny green on the first hole, many a half-decent
drive has ended up sleeping with the fishes here.
Somewhat overshadowed by its storied
neighbour RCD, Ardglass really shouldn’t be. This
is golf as a thrill ride, and some of the views out
to Coney Island (yes, the same spot Van Morrison
wrote about) and beyond are mesmerising. It’s an
exhilarating and memorable experience.
We played it on a ‘pet day’ and often struggled,
so if the breeze really kicks up I can only imagine
how tough it would be – but it’s the type of
masochistic punishment every golfer truly
relishes. We’re odd that way.
Further up the coast Kirkistown Castle Golf Club
also demands to be visited – if for no other
reason than it is the most easterly 18-hole golf
course on the island of Ireland. It’s also a very
welcoming place.
Volume 4 • Issue 50
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