Kilkeel
Moyola Park
Moyola Park remains one of Ireland’s best kept secrets. This is a
grand parkland experience of rivers, ancient woodland, a tree-
drenched 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 tree-
enshrined 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.
149