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.

Photos

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!

What Do You Think?

Beautifully situated in the heart of the Castlereagh Hills, the facility offers idyllic views over Strangford Lough and County Down. The course elevated position grants unrivalled views that are simply breathtaking. It was outlined in the professional’s shop that both membership and casual play options are available as golfers test their skills over this challenging 18-hole par 67 course.

The magnificent glass fronted clubhouse offers features that most others envy. Conference facilities, private function rooms, professional shop and the resident PGA Golf Professional who can offer private golfing lessons to individuals and groups. The facility can also cater for corporate training and society golf days, which can be tailored to meet your specific needs. I had initial concern that Castlereagh Hills was trying to do too much and cater for too many different markets. However, there seems to be a sense of belief instilled in the club. With backing from the council, they can try new things and puch the boat out a bit.

The only thing lacking, is length. The course is of a great standard, considering its relative youth. There are intriguing shots to be played, sloping greens and the tricky water hazards to contend with. But with the ability to play an iron from many tees and only have a further short iron to the green, scores can come rather easily.

Castlereagh Hills gets a huge thumbs up from everyone at Golf Royalty and we look forward to our return in the future.

Photos

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!

What Do You Think?

With the golfing season now moving into full swing I decided to take the opportunity to visit Mount Ober and check out the facilities on offer for the budding golfer. It is widely accepted that Mount Ober, formally known as Knockbracken, is a breeding ground for quality golfers who move on to bigger and better courses as their games progress. That aside, there is still enough quality to make it an enjoyable trip, even for the lower handicapped player.

However, Mount Ober offers much more than just 18 holes of golf.

The facilities also include the fully floodlit driving range with professional tuition, the public clubhouse and a huge game room with American Billiard tables and full size snooker tables.

The 18-hole golf course is a pleasant, undulating parkland course, which is an enjoyable walk. The undulating greens offer some tricky putts and your iron play will be tested by a series of very good par 3′s. Most importantly the course is accessible to all ranges of abilities, and on the days when your game is not up to scratch then you can enjoy the panoramic views of Belfast and beyond. The best views are available from the 3rd tee and 12th green.

Definatly a place to play for those at the beginning of their golfing career.

Photos

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!

What Do You Think?

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.

Photos

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.

What Do You Think?

The ultra modern and impressive clubhouse stands tall over the course, offering the perfect vantage point for the 19th hole. With impressive gates and ample parking, the first impression was excellent. For such an established golf course, Belvoir Park offers so many modern amenities, with every blade of grass meticulously cared for.

The course layout is very traditional, with little space wasted. You are always in a reasonably close proximity to the imposing clubhouse. Slopes and dips are common meaning that tee shots need to be planned carefully, approach shots thought through and putts given extra attention.

There are not many courses with more mature trees in all of Ireland. They act as a huge deterrent for wayward shots, as there is little or no forgiveness for venturing their way!

In all, Belvoir Park offers so much and delivers on all of its promises. Our fourball were charged less than £100 for the day’s entertainment, although we did have a member accompanying us. Golf Royalty will be back soon and we most defiantly look forward to it!

Photos

Featured Hole

A great birdie opportunity presents itself in the shape of the first hole. The short 277 yards from tee to green can be carried by the longer hitter and with no trees blocking the direct line, it is an opportunity not to be missed.

The green has little in the way of protection and with no real slopes to contend with, sub par scores should be at a premium. Members report that eagles are not uncommon and it is quite clear why!

What do you think?

On first impression, Shandon’s imposing gates offer an almost royal welcome to both members and visitors alike. The imposing clubhouse stands tall and wide with its unique design features and angled roof offering plenty to divulge for the architecturally minded.

The professional’s shop offers a small but effective range of clubs, clothing and accessories to suit all tastes, with prices being very reasonable. Great preparation for the 1st tee!

As our four ball stood patiently on the tee box, there was time to take in the beauty of the surroundings. Shandon Park is a very mature course, with magnificent foliage, impeccable fairways and fantastic greens.

Having played here before, I knew what to expect. There are very few blind tee shots which is particularly welcoming to visitors who stray off line. Each green is deceptively fast and run true to the slopes. The par of 70 makes the course rather difficult as there are only 2 Par 5 birdie opportunities and 4 unique yet difficult Par 3’s.

Green fees vary throughout the year, but with the quality Shandon Park offers both on course and at the 19th, any fee under £40 must be considered a bargain!

Photos

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!

What Do You Think?