Phillipmc76

I’ve played Ballyclare a few times last year and really enjoyed it, but this is the first time I’ve played it in dryish conditions.

The fairways and greens were in great shape. The greens rolled true and were quick. The course is challenging, if the 2nd 9 is a bit more dull than the front.

The facilities are excellent, there’s a driving range at the club shop and the clubhouse has brilliant views over the course and the food is excellent

I was staying at the Osprey Hotel at Naas and wanted to play a local course so booked a deal with GolfNow for €19. The course is about a 10 minute drive from the hotel.

The staff at the clubhouse was very welcoming and told me the course was clear and off I went and what a hidden gem it is. The course itself is a parkland course, very well maintained. There’s water that runs through a good few holes, so it’s not about taking the driver out on every hole, you have to think about either bombing it over the small brooks that run through the holes or laying up.

The greens were in great condition and the roll was true. The par 3s are a nice mix of short and mid iron. The course itself isn’t long about 6000 yards.

I never got to see inside the clubhouse as I was short of time, but it looked very nice with a bar/restaurant looking over the course and a wrap round balcony.

I have to say I really enjoyed playing it and I would definitely play it again

I had played Down Royal before but it was about 20 years ago so it was like playing a new course.

The course is about 20 minutes drive outside Belfast and sits in the middle of Down Royal racecourse. The course is just over 6000 yards from the green tees.

We teed off after 1.30 and it took about 4 hours to play. The course is beautifully maintained and the greens just on the slower side of average. The fairways are generous and the par 5s are excellent. It has some beautiful set par 3s. The course has plenty of water just off the fairways so straight driving is a premium.

After the course we called in to the clubhouse for some food and a beer and both were good, so no complaints there.

The course also has a driving range on site if you fancy hitting a few balls to warm up and it was £2.50 for a small basket.

Lovely course which I would recommend

The course itself is situated about 20 minutes drive outside Belfast and easy to get to.

The course itself is a nicely laid out parkland course, no par 5s, but 7 par 4s and 2 par 3s. The course itself isn’t long, nice yardages for a mid to high handicapper. Par 4s are all less than 400 yards of the yellow tees. The course is well maintained and looks inviting to play, the greens though spiked (which the time of year is a given) rolled pretty well.

The other comment I would make is walking off the 9th to get back to the clubhouse is pretty steep and I’m of average fitness so be forewarned. Just having played the course once I would say the course has changed the layout. I would think the 5th would’ve been the 1st originally and to be honest if it wasn’t it should be, as it would make sense as you would end at the clubhouse.

Never got the opportunity to see the clubhouse due to covid restrictions.

As stated a lovely 9 holer, if you’re a low handicapper definitely not for you, for most golfers a nice test

This course has probably the most stunning views of Belfast. The course is nestled between the famous Cavehill and Belfast Lough.

The course is hilly, basically the majority of the holes run up and down. There are buggies available and if you have any aches or pains in the legs I would recommend getting one, but you have to book a head. The fairways are tree lined but not densely, so if you do hit into them you’ll be able to have a shot out to at least advance your ball.

The course was beautifully laid out, the greens were fair rather than quick so suits a mid to high handicapper. Every hole has a stunning view of Cavehill and Belfast Lough and is worth a visit simply for that.

Now the only downside to this course. I’ve played this course a few times and each time I have to say I’m unimpressed with the welcome that it gives to its visitors. The welcome is a reluctant hello, if you even get that and some of the bar staff could do with a course in customer service which is a shame as the clubhouse is large and modernish and the views over the course are stunning from the outdoor seating.

This course is about 40 minutes from Belfast along the stunning coast road. The course itself sits up the hill just before Ballygalley and offers magnificent views over the Irish Sea and surrounding bays which sits either side of the course.

The course itself is quite hilly on the front 9 but easily walkable, though there are plenty of buggies to rent. The course itself is beautifully maintained, the fairways vary from narrow to generous, but if you’re straight off the tee you won’t have any problems. The greens are in excellent condition and roll well.

Afterwards we had a pint in the lovely clubhouse and looked out up the North Coast.

The course is beautiful and excellent value, definitely worth a play

This beautiful course is about 30 minutes drive outside Belfast.

On arrival we met the club pro who was excellent company and gave us the layout of the course since it was our first time playing it.

The course is nestled in between Carrickfergus and Larne and offers fantastic views of the Coast. The view from the 3rd is simply stunning.
The course is beautifully maintained and the greens are in excellent condition. The course is fair, a mix of interesting par 4s and par 3s. It’s fantastic value and definitely worth a visit