The Rockmount dream began in the early 90’s when Robert and Diane Patterson decided to turn part of their farmland near Carryduff, into an eighteen-hole championship standard golf course. “Grand Design” or “Epic Failure” – Golf Royalty investigates.

Living in close proximity to Carryduff, I have been aware of the challenge faced by the Patterson’s big idea from its outset. Planning permission was an obstacle no one believed they would get around but here we are today, with a course just over a decade old, settling quickly into the surroundings and fast becoming one of the most talked about courses in all of Northern Ireland.

The course is ready to burden the name “Championship,” all 18 holes, 6,373 yards, par 72. It features three long par 3’s and one short par 3, four par 5’s and 10 par 4’s. Designed and built to ensure the land’s natural elements are incorporated throughout, the course offers amazing variety at every turn. No two tee shots are the same, each one requires careful consideration, such is the threat from bunkers and water.

From my last round here in 2005, Rockmount have added to and improved both the course and the clubhouse. On the course more bunkers and water hazards together with hundreds of trees, some of which are mature, have been introduced to make the course a real test of golf.

Interestingly, Rockmount Golf Club is one of the few golf clubs, which recognises equal membership and playing status for men and ladies. It is something I was unaware of and an arrangement which has proved to be most acceptable as both the men and ladies sections are successful within the club and their inter-club competitions. 10 out of 10 from Golf Royalty for that!

Unlike our American counterparts, most parklands courses in Ireland feature little or no water hazards at all. Rockmount is a refreshing break from the norm. Water plays its part in the design of the course with new hazards being added around the 5th, and 6th greens, a large drainage ditch/stream now crosses the 13th fairway, and a small pond is situated in front of the 14th tee boxes.

If all this is not enough, there is no relief from staked trees so you must play your ball as it lies everywhere on the course – an interesting ploy which makes you think twice about club selections.

There is no doubt that Rockmount is an excellent test of golf, and one that you are sure to enjoy.

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Featured Hole – 3

The third, a dog legged Par 5, plays longer than its yardage suggests. From an elevated tee, everything falls away to the right making the hole suited to a right to left ball flight. Use the central, single tree as a marker, or for the optimum line, use the radio tower situated on Cave Hill. The green is reachable in 2 for the longer players, but with severe bunkerage and water hazards galore, it needs to be a calculated risk.

The green itself is the biggest on the course and wouldn’t look out of place at Augusta National. There are fall away sections both right and left, with a water hazard behind and to the right. Bunkers are in play to the front both left and right. Take care on the approach and a birdie should be yours!

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Filed under: Courses and written by Lee Evans