Ballycastle Golf Club is perched on the shores of Northern Ireland, a few miles down the road from the world famous Royal Portrush and just a short drive from Belfast and is a fantastic addition to any golf tour of this region. A quirky and enjoyable test of golf awaits those travelling to this part of the world as well as a fantastic clubhouse where golfers can expect top class food and a warm welcome.
Ballycastle offers a unique golfing experience in that it moves from parkland into some spectacular links land as the course progresses. The first five holes are flanked by the Rivers Margy and Carey so accuracy is key from the tee. Watch out for the 12th century Bon-a-Margy Abbey ruins which provide a unique out of bounds. After 5 or so holes the course heads for the coast and you are presented with some dramatic links golf. Perched on the cliffs edge, these holes demand precision and imagination from the player and also offer stunning views of the famous North Antrim Coastline, Scotland and the hills of Donegal.
Although the yardage is a paltry 5,786 yards, the course will still present a challenge to the long hitters who may be caught out by constant elevation changes and natural hazards if they attempt to bully the course into submission. Ballycastle is more of a thinker’s course and this is no more evident than at the par 3 17th – also known as ‘The Pitch’ – where the golfer must play to a green some 100 feet below the level of the tee.
Ballycastle’s proximity to famous names such as Royal Portrush and Portstewart makes it a great addition to any Northern Ireland golf tour.
