Northern Ireland is Made for Golf. Whether you’re seeking championship courses, dramatically scenic settings, a slice of history, links or parkland, or simply idyllic tranquillity, Northern Ireland has it all. Not to mention, our 3 Major Champions. But don’t take our word for it – we thought it best that you heard from an expert…
World No. 1 Rory McIlroy took a break from his preparations for The Irish Open atRoyal County Down and sat down with Discover Northern Ireland to give us the low-down on some of his favourite courses at home in Northern Ireland.
Here is what Rory had to say
“As has been well documented, I have been playing golf from a very early age.
Making my way around Northern Ireland’s golf courses, it quickly dawned on me that Northern Ireland is blessed with amazing, varied landscapes and is the perfect place to learn the game.
And whatever your handicap, Northern Ireland has a course offering everything from gentle, meandering parklands to stern links challenges.
Making my way around Northern Ireland’s golf courses, it quickly dawned on me that Northern Ireland is blessed with amazing, varied landscapes and is the perfect place to learn the game.
And whatever your handicap, Northern Ireland has a course offering everything from gentle, meandering parklands to stern links challenges.
We seem to have a talent for creating golf courses that mould themselves around the natural features of Northern Ireland’s beautiful landscapes. This is part of the joy of playing golf here.
I grew up playing at Holywood in County Down, a hilly and deceptively challenging parkland course overlooking Belfast lough.You will find yourself playing to greens perched high above your head or lying invitingly at the bottom of short, steep slopes. All our courses have the character that dealing with the natural terrain brings.
Photo: Holywood Golf Club, County Down
In Royal Belfast, we have one of the oldest courses in Ireland, a classic parkland layout along the shores of Belfast Lough.
Photo: Royal Belfast, County Antrim
Up on the Causeway Coast we have superb links courses including Royal Portrush,Portstewart and Castlerock, all with their own history and traditions.
Photo: Portstewart Golf Club, Derry~Londonderry
For me, Royal County Down has three major characteristics…it’s beautiful, it’s challenging and it’s home, this is what true links golf is all about. Stepping out to play this year’s Irish Open, a few miles down the road from where I grew up will be a very special moment in my golfing career.
Photo: Royal County Down, County Down, Courtesy of Derek Robinson
But the truth is, no matter where you find yourself in this wonderful country, you will be within a stone’s throw of a great golf course. Come and find out for yourself – take it as an invitation from me!”
Rory also talked to us about his excitement ahead of this year’s Irish Open at Royal County Down in Northern Ireland. Read our blog to find out what the 4 time Major Winner had to say.
Book a golfing short-break in Northern Ireland with these great offers and play on some of our finest courses.
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