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.

Links course by the sea. One overlooks the Mourne mountains as well as the Irish Sea. Beautiful holes and stunning views wherever you look. One of the great golf courses in Ireland. A must visit!

I've seen Ardglass at least 3-4 times over the past 15 years. Each year I return, something is new and improved. Holes have been tweaked, and the bunkers have been transformed into sodwall traps. This time, I got to play the new 16th hole, a monster par 5 over an existing stone wall that debuted this year. The new par-3 17th opened in 2024. What remains the same every time I visit is the friendly welcome in the clubhouse (reputed to be the oldest in the world) and the stunning clifftop scenery that starts on the first hole and continues to the short, drivable 18th. I'm proud to be among the golf writers that have put Arglass on the map for traveling golfers the past 15 years. Despite its lack of yardage, the 6,200-yard course is just as "bucket list" worthy as the nearby Northern Ireland Royals at County Down and Portrush.

Happened to play in 25 to 30 mile an hour winds but an amazing course that nothing would compare to in the U.S.. Well worth the trip. Even with the wind it is a fun course to play.

When Ardglas is now charging £200 for a visitor to play one is entitled to expect the course to be well presented. I understand that the nature of the course is rough and ready but it seems that the extra visitors’ cash is not being spent on the course. Several tee areas were appalling, similar to those found on very cheap municipal courses. Greens were generally ok for May but nothing special. There is little in the way of a ‘first cut rough’. Very overpriced.

Played on one of the sunniest days of the year. Heard it was a good course but that was a massive understatement. Sensational front 9 as good as they come and very good back 9 also, with views of the water and the mountains the whole way round! Will definitely be back

Played Ardglass on New Year’s Day. Bright, sunny day with a typical Irish Sea breeze.

The course offers some great par 3s, each with their own unique challenge.

It’s a compact course yet the fairways are forgiving. Highly recommended.

Despite a strong wind this course was a delight to play. One of the most fun courses I have ever played. From the very 1st hole there are so many good clifftop, scenic and also interesting holes. A couple of filler holes at start of the back 9 was the only downside but soon you are back to another breathtaking scenic hole. The old (oldest in the world) quirky clubhouse and cannons add to the experience. Friendly atmosphere inside too. Would recommend this highly as a must play course when in N Ireland.

Fantastic course and great value for the 15 holes that were open

The secret is out: Ardglass is no longer a hidden-gem Northern Irish golf course. The quirky seaside routing with several cliffside holes continues to be tweaked and optimized by the welcoming membership, who are having to contend more and more with avid visitors. As a result, green fees are on the rise, but it’s frankly not much of a deterrent, as the world-class scenery the course enjoys will be well worth the expense for many faraway golfers.

Ardglass’ centuries-old clubhouse continues to be a wonderful spot for a post-round libation, although to gaze out over the links as the sun starts to set, thoughts of an emergency 9 will dance in many golfers’ heads.

Really great course and highly recommended

This is the third time I’ve played this course and it is the best condition I have seen it new bunker and tee blocks are great nice to see the money going back into the course

Coming from the U.S., links golf is a must. Linksy golf on cliffs is a bonus. This place has a lot of ocean views. The course isn’t overly difficult which is a nice pick-me-up. The history of the clubhouse and remnant of the original structure make it very cool to wander around in. I had fully planned on playing, even at the £160 rate but got on with GN for £96. Young caddie was very knowledgeable about the course. Pro shop, like most, was small but sufficiently stocked. Didn’t eat but the restaurant has a great view of the course/ocean. Definitely add this to your list. I am in Dublin and made the two hour drive each way and it was worth it.

Loved the course and layout but unfortunately the pace of play was a pretty big problem. Waited on every shot on the entire day playing in approx 4:45. Last round of 11 for us in Ireland and was the slowest without exception. Caddy’s on course were unable to assist in improving the pace. Strangely a group of 4 junior boys under the age of 12 were allowed to play the course alone which caused a great deal of pace issues. Loved the course location, layout and setting but pace of play ruined it for most of us golfers on this day. The course itself has two holes currently under renovation/construction, but this could have been acceptable if we would have been informed prior to play. Still would recommend the course to fellow golfers but should expect to experience a fantastic golf course that is being poorly managed.

Considering what a wet winter we’ve had, Ardglass played very well, with greens running fast and very little soaked spots or standing water.

Stunning views, friendly locals & members, good c’hoise facilities and food.

Probably the best £45 for 18 holes you could ever expect to play!

Highly recommended