Royal Belfast Golf Club

Royal Belfast Golf Club, founded in 1881 and known as Ireland’s oldest golf club, offers golfers an excellent 18-hole parkland course near Belfast. Designed by H.S. Colt in 1925, the course is 6,309 yards long with a par of 70. Located in Holywood, County Down, it offers scenic views of Belfast Lough and challenges players to focus on accuracy rather than strength.

Royal Belfast Golf Club Layout

The course has gentle hills and holes that point in different directions, keeping things interesting. Holes nine and ten, both par-4s, run along the shoreline. The course design uses height changes that reward smart play. Well-placed bunkers protect key landing areas, and the fast, subtly contoured greens require accurate shots and careful slope reading.

Course Challenges

Golfers face many challenges at Royal Belfast Golf Club that test all parts of their game. Blind uphill shots over gorse, sharply sloping fairways, and well-guarded greens that are hard to reach. Sometimes the wind adds to the challenge. These features make the course tough but fair for everyone. Being accurate is important because a single errant shot can quickly lead to trouble, but good shots are rewarded.

Signature Hole at Royal Belfast Golf Club

The signature hole at Royal Belfast Golf Club is the 11th, an uphill par 3 that is 174 yards from the men’s tee. Played along the water’s edge with a partially blind approach over gorse, this hole stands as one of the most memorable in Northern Ireland.

Additional memorable holes include the short par-3 fourth (142 yards), where you need an accurate short shot to a well-protected green. The fifth hole and the birdie-friendly short par-5 18th, which is easier and often lets golfers finish their round with a good score.

Facilities at Royal Belfast Golf Club

Royal Belfast Golf Club offers facilities for everyone. The Victorian clubhouse, built in 1852, was awarded Clubhouse of the Year 2024 by the Golfer’s Guide to Ireland. It also has elegant locker rooms, several bars, and dining options for relaxing after a round of golf.

Additional amenities include a pro shop, two putting greens, and a short-iron practice range. You can rent clubs, and visitors from recognised golf clubs are welcome, provided they can provide proof of their playing ability.

Hosted Tournaments

The club has hosted numerous championship events, including the Ulster Professional Championship and the Irish Cup. This has helped make it known as one of the best places for golf in Northern Ireland. It has also been named IGTOA Parkland Golf Course of the Year and Best Parkland Golf Course in Ulster by the Golfer’s Guide to Ireland.

Book Now

If you want to play one of the best golf courses in Northern Ireland, visit Ireland’s oldest golf club, or try out a well-known course near Belfast, the Royal Belfast Golf Club is a great choice. It offers a mix of history, challenge, and friendly service.

Book your visit and see why this historic club is a popular place for golfers travelling between Royal Portrush and Royal County Down.