Add to that the fact that the clubhouse is the oldest in the world, definitely dating back to the 1400s and potentially even earlier. It’s a course you won't want to leave off your Northern Irish golf itinerary. In the words of Matt Adams from The Golf Channel, "Ardglass is the perfect combination of subtlety, severity and consummate golfing experience". We couldn't agree more.
Play Ardglass golf course and you'll meet a true test of the game. The ever-present winds roar in off the sea, capable of wreaking havoc from every angle. And that's exactly what they do. Add hard fairways and small, firm greens and you'll find it nigh on impossible to play yardage based games here. Then there's the beautiful Irish Sea, constantly in the background and visible from all 18 tees and greens. What a location, and what a challenge.
About Ardglass - Brief history
- Created in 1896 by the Reverend Thomas MacAfee as a 7-hole, 1000 yard course that sat between today's 1st and 18th fairways
- Grew to 9 holes in 1907 then remained unchanged for six decades
- Extended to 18 holes in the late 1960s
- Extended again in 1998, designed by Natural & David Jones
- Voted Links Golf Course of the Year 2011 by the Ireland Golf Tour Operator Association
- Awarded a Bronze Award in the Green Tourism Business Scheme for 2015
- Known for its tricky pot bunkers and fast, true greens
Ardglass golf club scorecard
Click here to view the scorecard
Featured hole – Holes 1 to 5
We usually feature just one hole. But at Ardglass the first five deserve a mention, in part thanks to their utterly spectacular route around the dizzying edge of the cliff tops. The signature second hole is a 167 yard Par-3 called Howd's Hole. You have to play your tee shot over a rugged, rock-filled inlet over to a horribly small-looking putting surface, with the water to your left, glorious views and a green totally exposed to the elements. Survive the first five unscathed and you deserve a pat on the back.
Known for its truly remarkable setting
The wind can be fierce on an Ardglass golf course, as the first tee is just feet away from the Irish Sea’s dramatic swell. It's a little bit like Pebble Beach with the 11th hole skirting the bay for wet sliced shots every time. The 13th hole features waves lapping at the edges, so close you're not far short of underwater. And ever single Par-3 is a legend in its own right, especially the infamous second hole with its craggy ravine between the tee and the green, and its steep 200ft drop to the waves below.
Ardglass golf vacations
Are you looking for top class Ardglass golf and accommodation? Look no further. At The Experience Ireland, we provide wonderful Ardglass golf vacations to players and enthusiasts from around the world, and we'll arrange the perfect golf programme to perfectly meet your needs. To find out more, feel free to contact us. As passionate golf lovers who also play the game whenever we get the time, we'll make your visit truly special.
Featured Ardglass golf package:
Northern Ireland 4 Nights 4* Program – Our Ireland golf vacations offer the chance to experience some of the finest courses the country has to offer. This 4-night Golf Holiday includes four incomparable rounds of golf – one each at Royal County Down, Royal Portrush, Ardglass and Portstewart. You’ll enjoy a meet-and-greet service on arrival at the airport, full airport return transfers and a complimentary shuttle service. Over the course of your stay you’ll luxuriate in 4* accommodation and prepare your stomach for the testing day ahead with a full Irish breakfast each day. You’ll also receive one evening meal included as part of your stay.