The Best Places to Play Golf near Belfast
Cliftonville Golf Club, founded in 1911, is one of Belfast City’s oldest clubs and features a starting hole twice nominated in BBC NI’s “Toughest Par 3”.[1] Ormeau Golf Club, located within a mile of Belfast city center – under the shadow of the giant Harland and Wolff shipyard cranes [4] Colin Glen Golf is one of Northern Ireland’s most challenging 9-hole courses with water features, pot bunkers, three Par Threes, five Par Fours, and even a Par Five.[5] Ballyearl Golf Course in Newtownabbey features bunkers designed by Richard Johnston.[3] Helen’s Bay Golf Club, founded in 1896, is thought to be one of the prettiest golf courses in the North Down/Greater Belfast area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the oldest golf club near Belfast?
Helen’s Bay Golf Club was founded in 1896 and is one of the oldest golf clubs in the Belfast area, situated on a gentle hill overlooking Belfast Lough.[9]
Which 9-hole course in Belfast is considered the most challenging?
Colin Glen Golf is described as one of Northern Ireland’s most challenging 9-hole courses, featuring water hazards, pot bunkers, three Par Threes, five Par Fours, and a testing Par Five.[5]
Are there any 9-hole courses in Belfast suitable for beginners?
Ballyearl Golf Course in Newtownabbey offers a par 3 nine-hole course designed for all skill levels.[3]
Are there any 9-hole courses near Belfast that have hosted notable tournaments?
Temple Golf Club has hosted the ‘National Nines’ tournament on two consecutive occasions, establishing it as one of the finest 9-hole golf courses in Northern Ireland.[10]
What special features does Down Royal Park Golf Course offer?
Down Royal Park Golf Course provides three different courses on the same site: an 18-hole ‘Classic’ course, a 9-hole ‘Valley’ Course newly shaped in 2014, and a ‘Meadows’ Pitch and Putt course for developing short game skills.[8]
References
[1] https://www.cliftonvillegolfclub.com/course/aboutus/ [2] https://discovernorthernireland.com/travel-trade/experience/colin-glen-golf-p747241 [3] https://discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/ballyearl-golf-course-p742721 [4] https://ormeaugolfclub.com [5] https://www.colinglen.org/product/round-of-golf-visitors/ [6] https://www.cliftonvillegolfclub.com [7] http://www.gogolfing.ie/golf-course.php?id_club=27 [8] https://discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/down-royal-park-golf-course-p746991 [9] https://www.visitardsandnorthdown.com/things-to-do/golf [10] https://www.visitlisburncastlereagh.com/things-to-do/golfing-in-lisburn-and-castlereagh