Moyola XXXX Park
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 .
Bangor
James Braid designed Bangor in the 1930s . Since then the trees have established themselves in great armies of colour , making Bangor one of the sweetest parklands in Northern Ireland . And it remains unknown outside the country . Given the quality ( the Braid design has been left intact ), the adventure and the big , fast greens that is a shame . There is one hill that rises in the middle of the course to create two levels – one high , one low . This hill and the rolling terrain create so many exceptional driving holes here it will warm the heart , whatever the Irish weather chooses to throw at you . The 5th and 16th are the pick as they use the hillside to full effect . The 16th drives at sea and distant hills .
Kilkeel
An estate parkland at the foot of the Mourne Mountains is always going to set pulses racing , but it is the woodland of oak and beech through which you play for much of the round that really grabs your attention . The trees will grab your ball , too , so you need to negotiate holes carefully as there are many doglegs . It may not be a long course ( par 72 , 6,250 yards ) but it calls for intelligent golf , especially on several blind holes . Green and tee settings use the rolling landscape and trees to full and often dramatic effect . Holes 6 and 7 are sensational .
Holywood
As the home club of Rory McIlroy , Holywood definitely deserves a visit . Forget the bells and whistles of plush parklands … come and enjoy a course that not only has ‘ celebrity ’ on its side , but also a host of fun holes which inject the joy back into playing golf . With its short length and two loops of nine it is easy to play quickly . It will hone your short game , too . This is hillside golf with ridges and dips , perched greens , a couple of climbs , bumpy terrain and plenty of trees . As such , this is no place to go wild off the tee . Sensible golf ( and a visit inside the clubhouse ) makes Holywood a very enjoyable day indeed .
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