Castle Place,
Ardglass, Co. Down BT30 7TP
Office
+44 (0)28 4484 1219Pro shop
+44 (0)28 4484 1022Fax
+44 (0)28 4484 1841Website
Visit websiteGolf pro
Paul M. Vaughan (PGA, Director of Golf).The Course:
18 holes. Seaside links. Undulating terrain - a few slopes to climb.
Surroundings:
Coastal duneland.
Designer:
David Jones
54.257102
-5.605945
28 miles S of Belfast
Follow direction Coney Island from the A2 in Ardglass. Golf is located at the southern end of Ardglass village centre, just opposite Ardo's restaurant and next to old castle tower.
Ardglass Golf Club: You'll find the 1st tee easily enough, it's right beside the sea, directly in front of a 15th century castle wall. The entrance to Ardglass harbour is also alongside. Four ships' cannons point your way. Can things get any more dramatic, YES! ... you haven't even climbed the slope to the first green yet. The opening six holes are perhaps the most dramatic, with the fabulous par-3 2nd crossing a ravine and all the others only separated from the sea by a line of jagged grey rocks.
Sea views are ever-present throughout your round; just when you think they are about to go, another part of the course opens up yet further seaside holes (with views overlooking Coney Island Bay). In the middle of the front and back nines the course becomes flatter, where a few flower bushes help guide your line to the fast, sloping and not overly large greens.
With fishermans' cottages, plunging downhill par-3's and a knee-trembling drive at the par-5 11th, Ardglass is a lot more than a wonderfully scenic seaside golf course; this is a layout that will also test your game, while providing the eyes with a stunning visual feast. Just hope the weather has also bought into your plans.
Visitors welcome on weekdays; more restricted on weekends.
Must book in advance. Handicap required.
Contact club for full details, discounts, packages, etc. [Last updated: 2023].
Players generally walk this course.
Limited
The oldest clubhouse in the world? The clubhouse here is located in an ancient building, Ardglass Castle, some of which dates back to 1405. It is believed to be the oldest clubhouse in the world, at least by the Club's members. But of course there are rival claimants to this title ... Varese Golf Club in Italy perhaps.
Ireland's 35th best course (Golf World, 2025).
Britain & Ireland's 165th best course (Golf World, 2026).
No
Ardglass
Royal County Down
Downs Road, Newcastle, Co. Down BT33 0AH
+44 (0)28 4372 1006
Visit websiteThis grand and iconic hotel opened in 1897 and was originally called the Newcastle Hotel, described at that time as "the most modern and best equipped hotel in Ireland" - a standard it is never far away from to this day. The sea and mountain views from the hotel are spectacular.
No
Royal County Down (o.3 km)
Ardglass (21 miles)
Presidents Cup: Geoff Ogilvy’s International Team take on Brandt Snedeker’s USA Team at the revered Medinah Country Club, near Chicago. The Internationals are trying to halt a run of 11 consecutive American wins. (Sept 24-27).
French Open: Continental Europe’s oldest national championship, dating from 1906, is once again staged on the Albatros Course at Le Golf National, near Paris. Defending champion is America’s Michael Kim. (Sept 24-27).
Our visit last month included two rounds at Golf de Chantilly, one of France’s most prestigious clubs.
It offers two superb layouts: Le Vineuil, a five-star championship course with a rich history, and Longères, an excellent four-star course that provides a strong and enjoyable test.
The wider Paris region offers plenty more. Courses such as Fontainebleau, Golf de Saint-Germain, and several other top-rated layouts make this area one of Europe’s most rewarding golf destinations, offering a mix of woodland, heathland, and parkland designs.
The Dutch: "It's no' just a game", as they say in Scotland, and that's certainly true at The Dutch. With 5-star services throughout, a lavishly comfortable Loch Lomond-inspired clubhouse, and a superbly designed and presented golf course, one could not ask for more from this top-end private club.
Join us at The Dutch from August 21–24 for the Festival of Golf, featuring the HotelPlanner Tour. Experience four days of top-tier sport, live music, incredible food, and unexpected surprises. Explore the grounds, connect with others, embrace new challenges, and dive into an unforgettable celebration. Click here to buy tickets.
Here at Prince’s Golf Club you'll find 27 excellent holes of links golf. Just over the fence and sharing similar terrain is Royal St George’s; but Prince’s is far from overshadowed by its venerable neighbour. The three nine-hole loops at Prince's, laid out over gently undulating terrain, are sure to bring a smile of satisfaction to all lovers of links golf.
Stay&Play at Prince's: excellent onsite Lodge accommodation available
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