The oldest golf club in Ireland played host to Golf Royalty at the end of Easter in 2009. Royal Belfast is steeped in history and when the Club was founded on 9 November 1881 it marked the birth of the game of golf in Ireland and in 1891 the Club became one of only nine founder member clubs of the Golfing Union of Ireland.

Arguably, Royal Belfast is Belfast’s premier 18 hole private members’ club and it must be noted that as visitors, Golf Royalty were given a very warm welcome and enjoyed a wonderful golfing experience with our guide for the day, Hayden Kearney. From the first tee shot, to the final put on 18, the whole Royal Belfast experience was fantastic.

The club’s limited membership numbers allow the course to remain in what can only be described as immaculate condition throughout the year. There is very little wear and tear, common on busier courses – there were little or no divots, the bunkers were perfectly raked and there were very few spike marks on the greens.

The general aura of Royal Belfast is amazing. From the huge drive that cuts the course in two to the unbelievable Victorian era clubhouse, everything about oozes class.

The course is meticulously maintained with established trees, lush fairways, impeccable greens and gorse providing a colourful backdrop, always providing a true test of golfing skill in one of the loveliest settings in Ireland, with unrivalled views over Belfast Lough and the Antrim plateau beyond.

Royal Belfast provided Golf Royalty with a stern golfing challenge. At the heart of its varied challenges is the constant requirement for accuracy rather than length, providing all levels of golfer with a fair test of golf. The numerous bunkers and subtly sloped greens ensure that posting a low score is indeed a difficult feat.

In conclusion, Royal Belfast is an opportunity too good to turn down. The green fees offered are very, very reasonable when compared with the impeccable standard of both course and club house.

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Featured Holes

Among the more memorable holes on the front nine are the short Par 3 4th, which measures only 142 yards but requires a very accurate shot to a green literally surrounded by bunkers. The Par 4 8th has out of bounds all along the left hand side and the 408 yard Par 4 9th, rated the most difficult on the course, plays directly alongside the shores of Belfast Lough.

The homeward journey will not disappoint either, from the beautiful short par four 10th playing alongside the water’s edge, the signature par 3 11th, right through to the long Par 5 18th, each hole is a real pleasure to play.

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Filed under: Courses and written by Lee Evans