Galgorm Castle
Royal Portrush (Valley)
The Valley has always played second fiddle to its Dunluce
Championship sibling, but this is a par 70 course designed by Harry
Colt. Routed over the lower land between the gargantuan dune
that defends it from the sea and the Dunluce that rises above it on
the other border, this is a terrific, tumbling links. The fairways are
beautifully unpredictable, the greens sit over humps and hollows
and you’ll be tested all day long. Greens are often embraced by wild
rose bushes which ensure a thorny adventure for the over ambitious
The current changes (for the Open Championship 2019) mean that
the Valley receives a Silver award in 2016.
Moyola Park
Moyola Park remains one of Ireland’s best kept secrets. This is a
grand parkland experience of rivers, ancient woodland, a treedrenched hill and fun holes. It is rich and colourful, and the
trees dominate and define holes as they move serenely over the
undulating terrain. The centre of the course is the densely wooded
hill and holes are practically drawn to it, with the par four 8th
requiring an approach shot over the River Moyola to reach it. The
walk over the bridge is enchanting. On the far side of the hill, giant
oak stand like sentinels across the landscape, wreaking havoc on
the wayward golfer, before the 16th brings you back to the hill. The
par three 17th is the hole of the round as you hit out from a treeenshrined tee to a green far below, wrapped in trees with the river
flowing behind.
Roe Park
Roe Park’s recent upgrades, to greens especially, have given this
golf resort considerably more clout. The course sits alongside
the smart hotel and impressive driving range, and three practice
holes have been added. The course wraps easily around the hotel,
starting down by the River Roe. It then has one glorious par three
rising through the heart of the buildings to a turret-like green. The
remaining 12 holes find a sweet parkland rhythm with water and
gorse and trees looping around Mullagh Hill. The tantalising and
short par four 15th drives over a deep dip and a quiet pond to a high
green. Perfect risk and reward. Its location, not far from the revered
links on the north coast, adds to the resort’s attraction.
Galgorm Castle
Parkland golf doesn’t get much more elegant or tranquil than
this. Two rivers run through the course while charming lakes
lace several fairways. They threaten and divide holes. With
no changes in elevation this is as gentle a round as you’ll
find… but it is also the home of the Northern Irish Open, so
you know the quality will be excellent. Galgorm Castle is
not designed to be punishing but the doglegs will test your
positioning skills and the water can prove magnetic. And then
there are the many mature trees spread over the estate (the
castle lies to your left on the drive in). Very inviting greens the
whole way around, sweet par threes and great facilities, too.
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