Peripheral Links – Castlerock Golf Club

The last edition of Baker’s Blog visited the Lundin Golf Club near St. Andrews for a new series called Peripheral Links, where we explore the Golf and Good Life found just off the well-worn path. Today we head across the Irish Sea to another often overlooked links for Northern Ireland golf trips.

When it comes to golf travel in Ireland, most itineraries visiting the north will focus on the likes of Royal County Down, Royal Portrush, and Portstewart Golf Club, and for understandable reason. The current #1 ranked course in the world, the host of the 2025 Open Championship, and arguably the finest front-9 in golf make for an irresistible trio. Yet those who believe that variety is the spice of a memorable golf trip, will find it just across the tiny River Bann and immediately next door to Portstewart.

The Castlerock Golf Club was founded in 1901 and originally played over a links designed by Ben Sayers. That name may not immediately register for many, but the intrepid golf traveler has likely been touched by the work of Ben Sayers without even knowing it… To this day, the professional shop at North Berwick Golf Club in Scotland is located in his former club factory. The links Sayers designed for Castlerock served the club well until 1925, when the great Harry Colt was commissioned to craft the course which is largely played today.

Some might say the course is an interesting blend of Irish links with those found on the Ayrshire coast of Scotland. That distinction comes courtesy of a pair of holes on the front-9 pressed hard against the bordering railway line. The 4th is a particularly fearsome test, with the railway and a meandering burn guarding each side of the 200 yard par-3. Speaking of that sneaky little burn, one should pay careful attention on the short par-4 6th hole. The burn winds its way rather stealthily along the front of the green, ready to snap up the unsuspecting approach.

It has been an exciting few years for Castlerock as the club completes an extensive course renovation under the supervision of Dr. Martin Hawtree. The changes have thus far been well received, and a number of H&B travelers have experienced the finished product first-hand.

Of course, no round off the well worn path is complete without a little of the Good Life. Just down the road from Castlerock, you’ll find it at the Giant’s Causeway. This UNESCO site is as breathtaking as it is unique, offering a picturesque pairing with the morning’s round. Those in the mood for a little thrill-seeking should also visit the nearby Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. Although like a downhill 3-footer, crossing the bridge is not for the faint of heart.

In the golf-rich region of Northern Ireland, standing out in the crowd is no easy task. If Castlerock were located anywhere else on the globe, it would no doubt capture its well-deserved share of acclaim. However, those making the slight detour on their golf bucket-list crusade are almost always glad they did.

Many photos courtesy of Castlerock Golf Club