From Royal Portrush to old bushmills, is the North of Ireland heaven on Earth?
From Dublin airport we drive two hours up Ireland's northeastern coast into Northern Ireland, to the first course of our trip - Ardglass Golf Club. This spectacular old style links and clifftop gem hugs a rugged headland on the County Down coastline, offering sea views from every hole. The course begins with a bang, where a line of cannons point the way to the green of the par-1st, followed by the daunting par-3 2nd, both requiring a carry across the coastline or cliff tops of the Irish Sea. Holes 11 and 12 (the Amen corner of Ardglass) are particularly exciting, set across from Coney Island made famous by Van Morrison, and on clear days you can see past the Irish Sea to the Isle of Man.
Protected by water on the right and wind bushes on the left, at the 488 yards par-5 11th it's essential to hit three straight shots to reach the green in regulation. As the course guide says: 'Play this hole with the same ball and be happy!' The par-3 12th is arguably the course's signature hole, drawing comparisons with the famous 17th hole at Pebble Beach. The view from the elevated tee, with a backdrop of the Irish Sea and the majesty of the brooding Mourne Mountains is worth the green fee alone.
Ardglass is home to one of the oldest and most distinct clubhouses in Northern Ireland and Ireland - a castle that dates back to the 12th century. We hole out on the final green and then enjoy some cold beers on the rooftop turret bar. As the late afternoon sun casts long shadows across this memorable course, we raise our glasses to the days ahead. Our accommodation for the night is the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa situated immediately adjacent to the world famous Royal County Down golf club, home to the 2015 Irish Open.
Denne historien er fra July 2019 -utgaven av Golf Asia.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra July 2019 -utgaven av Golf Asia.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
VICTORIOUS ASIA AT EFG INTERNATIONAL GOLF CHALLENGE
Junior golfers from Team Asia overcame Team Europe at the second edition of the event that promotes sportsmanship and foster young talent.
CULINARY CROSSROADS
Foodies, it is time to add Macau to your bucket list for both its burgeoning fine dining scene - and vibrant fusion local cuisine.
CYBER TIMES
The Bell & Ross CYBER launches watchmaking into the future.
HERITAGE REIMAGINED
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi reopens its historic heritage wing.
POULTER IMPRESSED WITH THE INTERNATIONAL SERIES PATHWAY
Popular English Ryder cup star lan Poulter is confident of Asian Tour's plans for future success.
ASIAN SPIRIT TO THE FORE
The Internationals will look to Maruyama's heroics to propel their Presidents Cup quest.
GLOBAL UNITY
International Team united by the \"Shield\" ahead of Presidents Cup showdown
GIRLS ON FIRE
Representing one's country, either as an amateur or a professional, in a sport you love, is a dream come true. JUSTINE MOSS catches up with the Singapore Golf Association's Women's National Squad to find out more about their dedication to the game.
SOCIAL GOLFER
Popular influencer Christabel Chua (@bellywellyjelly) shares how golf has opened up a whole new world for her.
FAST DOWNHILL CHIP
In this common scenario, your ball has hung up on some longer grass to the side of the green, leaving you a downhill chip on to a fast surface that's running away from you.