7 Things to See at Ardglass Golf Club

Over the last several years, Ardglass Golf Club has seen its star rise among golfers visiting on Ireland golf trips.

For those who have sung its praises for decades - ourselves included - the growing popularity of Ardglass is of no surprise.

Although most golfers are drawn here to play Royal County Down, year in and year out, many of the best memories are made along the rocky cliffs of this little course nearby.

For those counting down to Northern Ireland golf trips, here’s a preview of what awaits at Ardglass.

Clubhouse

The oldest clubhouse in the game of golf.

That’s the welcome at Ardglass Golf Club.

Portions of the castle date to 1405, though the area likely served as a fortification as early as the 12th century.

The castle stands directly behind the 1st tee - canons and all - and sets the stage for a dramatic round ahead.

1st Hole

The opening tee shot at Ardglass Golf Club is arguably the finest in Ireland.

With the castle looming over your shoulder, and the tee box pressed hard against the sea, the running joke at Ardglass is that “All of Ireland is to the right.”

Still, keeping your ball out of the Irish Sea is a tall ask for the first swing of the day.

But if you’re successful, the relatively short par-4 offers a good chance at an easy par to start the day.

2nd Hole

If you thought the opening hole was dramatic, wait until you see the 2nd at Ardglass Golf Club.

The par-3 plays along the edge of the clifftop and feels as if it may fall into the sea.

What you’re certain to remember, however, is the deep inlet that cuts into the hole just in front of the tee.

The target is small, but there’s more room to work with by the green than the cliffs let on.

Like the 1st hole, just keep right and mind the edge.

11th Hole

Although the outward holes are bordered by the sea on your left, the story flips on the inward nine at Ardglass Golf Club.

For anyone whose usual miss is to the right, the par-5 11th hole will be a daunting sight.

At just 465 yards from the medal tee, the 11th offers a good opportunity at birdie.

Assuming, of course, that you keep your ball out of the sea which guards the right-side for the entire length of the hole.

What’s more, the 11th hole plays on lower ground compared to the other seaside holes at Ardglass, bringing the crashing waves that much closer.

12th Hole

If there’s one thing Ardglass Golf Club has in abundance, it’s dramatic par-3s.

The 12th hole - known as Cathlin - plays from an elevated tee to a green that feels as if it’s encircled by the sea.

Like the 11th hole, a miss to the right is all but certain to find the water.

And if the wind is up, you may need everything in the bag to cover the 198 yards.

17th Hole

As you head for home at Ardglass, the drama continues even if the sea is further away.

The par-4 17th hole is a perfect example.

Bordered by an old stone wall up the left side - read: out of bounds - the tee shot is sure to be a nervous one.

Although there is plenty of room up the right, the closer you are to the wall, the better your angle to approach the green.

But regardless of where your tee ball ends up, the centerline bunker short of the green is best avoided.

18th Hole

The closing hole at Ardglass Golf Club tumbles its way downhill back toward the charming town and ancient clubhouse.

The 18th parallels the 1st hole, but plays on much higher ground, affording one last glimpse of the famous views at Ardglass.

At just over 300 yards, the par-4 also provides an excellent opportunity to end the round on a positive note.

Then again, no matter what the score on the final hole reads, nothing can put a damper on a day at Ardglass Golf Club.

Most photos courtesy of Ardglass Golf Club