Royal Belfast
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.
Royal Belfast
The drive towards the clubhouse will tell you all you need to know
about this venerable old parkland. It is an elegant and spacious tree-
lined course which tumbles slowly down to the shores of Belfast
Lough. Three of the best holes lie almost on the shoreline.
This is a course of class and quality, and the clubhouse – a grand
former manor house – sets the tone. Everything is spacious and
dignified. It all looks so very attractive to the eye but some of the
slopes will fool you for this is a challenging par 70, and a tough driving
course. There are five par threes – the pick being the daunting
straight uphill 11th.
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