Destination Golf Global (Winter 2019) * | Page 30

Castlerock Clubhouse Not as punishing perhaps as some of the old-style links, it nevertheless provides a real challenge. Apparently forgiving fairways narrow with every shot, and the straightforward-looking greens soon let you know you’re in for a roller- coaster ride. unquestionably the lough itself. While probably better known for its muscular links courses, there are also a slew of beautiful and picturesque parkland courses in Northern Ireland too. Further west, the sumptuous Lough Erne Golf Resort beckons, while the impeccably manicured Malone Golf Club in Belfast is always worth a visit. Galgorm Castle in Ballymena is another to shortlist on your trip, but a special mention must go to the superb Belvoir Park just outside Belfast. The views from the stunning clubhouse let you see the challenge ahead, but there’s a very relaxed vibe about the whole place – with mature trees guiding you around what will be blissful afternoon’s golf. The water-laced fairways of this pair will ensure there’s a good chance one or two of your balls will find the wet stuff but, as a wise man once told me, you don’t buy golf balls – you rent ’em! The Nick Faldo-designed Lough Erne truly is a stunner. There is such variety from hole to hole it can never get boring – no matter how often you play the course – but its defining feature is 30 Destination Golf .TRAVEL The closing stretch of holes here will test those with a fear of water, and you’ll have earned a beer in the beautiful clubhouse adjacent to the 18th green if you’ve managed to keep the same ball for the whole round. Travel further on to Larne and you’ll come across the Cairndhu Golf Club, rising almost impossibly up the headland and featuring breathtaking views across to the coast of Scotland and the Glens of Antrim. Have the camera at the ready when visiting – you’ll certainly want to use it on this dramatic piece of golf landscape.