Ardglass Golf Club

New sod-wall bunkers being installed throughout the course are giving Ardglass the shine needed to inch closer to the top courses of Northern Ireland.
There's a lot to like about Ardglass. The castle-clubhouse is reputed to be the oldest in the world, dating to 1405.
I've written a story about No. 1 being one of scariest opening holes in golf. It kick-starts a stirring stretch of five holes right on the rocky coast. Another amazing stretch opens the back nine - the scenic, downhill par 3s at no. 10 and 12 along the water and the signature par-5 11th hole that is pinched by a wall of gorse on one side and water on the other. The nearby lighthouse at St. John's Point also enhances the backdrop.
The naysayers point to the flatter holes "in a field" as a major flaw, but to me, Ardglass is as interesting and enjoyable as golf gets overseas.

I would imagine that there are very few days here that the wind isn't a factor on this course. If you've got one of those shots in the bag that consistently flies low, you will do just fine here. There's some history behind the walls of what is considered the oldest clubhouse in golf (dating back to 1377). The first 6 holes play dramatically along a rugged coast line before turning inland. The course will test your confidence and your nerve when you step onto the tee box of the par 5, 11th hole and you look out to see what is the most intimidating sight on the course. First your heart starts racing and then that little golfer in the back of your head starts screaming "How am I supposed to find that fairway from here?". This is the perfect moment to pull out that whisky flask from the bag and have a shot of courage. Ardglass closes out with a wonderful short par 4 to cap off your round.

This was the first time I had played at Ardglass and I will 100% be going back. From the 1st - 18th the course was in great condition, fairways and greens running quick and if you didn't hit the right line, water, bunkers, heavy rough made it difficult and even more so challenging to get that par!!
I would not hesitate to recommend this course to anyone who plays golf!!

Historic surroundings. Dramatic scenery. Beautiful, challenging course. Welcoming staff. Friendly members. Delicious food.

Ardglass is golf as it should be.

Even though we were using Winter Tees and preferred lies the course was still excellent. It is well signed for any newcomers to the course and the greens were in great condition. The staff in the shop and on the course were friendly and helpful.

The first few holes are quite dramatic as they follow the rugged coastline, then the course becomes somewhat ordinary until holes 11 & 12 get your heart racing again. Overall a good links course but if you've played Royal County Down or Royal Portrush, there is no comparison.

Stunning views all over the coures great greens and just a joy to play.

THE BEST GOLF EXPERIENCE EVER!!
The course was immaculate and in perfect condition. The greens were the best I have ever played. Oh and the views second to none!! spectacular!! I golfed in Ireland for two weeks and decided to play this course twice, for multiple reasons. Great Golf! Great food! Best pint of Guinness I had in IRELAND

As a golf course it's as good as any in Ireland for the money the Bar good is first class bit between the guy in the pro shop to the guy have served the food very unpleasant it's a petty I has everything else.

Have been dying to play this course for a number of years now and finally got the chance. It was everything I had hoped for and more.

I will be be back as often as possible from now on, absolutely beautiful and a bit of a challenge also.

Love this course. Compares favorably with Royal County Down in beauty. Not as challenging but more fun and more forgiving. At the Golfnow rate of just 18 GBP, the value far exceeds that of RCD.

Would play it again in a heartbeat.

Excellent course with all holes playable. Really friendly Pro shop staff with coffee and advice before play. Great sea views from every tee and green. Clubhouse is friendly and food excellent.

Ardglass is one of my favorite golf experiences in all of the Emerald Isle.  It starts upon pulling into the car park, after weaving through winding medieval streets and between multiple castle ruins and tower houses, one gazes upon perhaps the most unique 1st tees in all of golf!  The 1st tee is built in the courtyard of an 800 year-old castle that has been adopted as Ardglass’s clubhouse (having a pint between the turrets is a post-round must-do).  The course retains this same unique character in that it is both charming and rugged.  Despite benefitting from it’s proximity to Royal County Down, Ardglass is still a hidden gem to many an international golf tourist.