David Jones laid out the championship course at Templepatrick under the watchful eye of David Feherty, and it's a proper test at over 7,000 yards from the tips. There's enough length and strategic interest to keep low-handicap players honest, but it's still playable for mixed-ability groups if you choose the right set of tees and keep it in play. The course runs through mature woodland on the Castle Upton Estate, so you're dealing with tree-lined fairways, elevation changes and greens that ask questions if you're in the wrong spot. It's parkland golf with enough variety to stay interesting across 18 holes, and the conditioning is consistently good.
One of the big wins here is how easy it is to reach. You're about 10 minutes from Belfast International Airport and roughly 20 minutes from Belfast city centre, so it works brilliantly for quick weekend breaks or fly-in trips where you don't want to lose half a day to transfers. Off the course, you've got an award-winning spa and Treffner's Restaurant with views across the fairways, which makes it feel like a proper all-in-one resort rather than "golf and a bed".
If you fancy a day out, you're well placed for the Giant's Causeway, the Bushmills Distillery and a run up the coast to Royal Portrush. It's a handy base for ticking off the north coast while keeping logistics simple. The lush countryside around here has become a must-play destination for golfers of all abilities, and Templepatrick gives you a solid home base without needing to drive big distances every day.
Who is this for?
Anyone who wants a Northern Ireland golf break that's genuinely easy: fly in, check in and get playing, with a spa and decent dining to match.
Who is it best for?
Couples and groups who want a low-hassle base near Belfast International, plus the option of day-tripping to Portrush and the Causeway without doing big drives every day.
