Royal Belfast

[Bill_McBride]

I'm starting to work on plans for a 2007 trip to Northern Ireland for the Walker Cup (Royal County Down sometime in September).

Planning now to play Ardglass on getaway day the Monday after the matches, then head north to the Causeway for Portstewart and Castlerock, and maybe Royal Portrush.

What about Royal Belfast?  Not much information on the web.  Is it a links?  Accessible through the usual letter to the secretary route? Any information would be very much appreciated.  

We are planning to fly into and out of Belfast on Continental.

[Tim Pitner]

It's not a links.  It's parkland, designed by Colt, I believe.  I also recall reading that it's one of the more exclusive clubs in Ireland, meaning that the visitor policy may not be as welcoming as most.  

[Bill_McBride]

Thanks.  I'd love to play it for the Colt, but trips to the Old Country require focus on the linksland!

[Tim Pitner]

Couldn't agree more.

[Thomas_Brown]

It's well worth seeing - despite the parkland layout.

I thought it was Vardon, but probably am missing recall on that one.

Holes 7-9 run along the bay I think.

Guests of the Culloden can get one w/o any problem.

[ForkaB]

Bill

If you have the time, cut across to Donegal and play Ballyliffin, Portsaolon, Rosapenna, etc.  It's not that far (2-3 hours from Portrush to Portsalon), but it's a different world.  Also, you get the satisfaction of going through Derry (Northern Ireland), crossing the border, and then heading north into Southern Ireland (Eire) to find those courses!  Only in Ireland........

[fred ruttenberg]

I played in several years ago. An interesting parkland course and worth a stop. I had no problem getting on by contacting the secretary.

[Eamon Lynch]

RB used to have a uninviting visitor policy but loosened their cravats a few years back. I played it once and thought it was fairly cramped and not very memorable. There are better ways to spend a day in Northern Ireland.

[Bill_McBride]

Yes, Eamon?  Details please!  

[Eamon Lynch]

Play a second round at Ardglass! Or go play the Valley course at Portrush. Its the lesser course at RPGC but more fun than Royal Belfast

[David_Tepper]

As Eamon states, the #2 course at Portrush (the Valley Course) is well worth playing.

Isn't there another quality inland course near Belfast (called Belvoir, I think)?

[David_Tepper]

Belvoir Park is a Colt-design as well. The website is very good and has a full photo gallery of the course. Here is the link:

www.belvoirparkgolfclub.com/

[Tom Huckaby]

Bill - good man, I see the plans do still include Castlerock.  Do get over to play Portstewart if you have time as well.  But when you arrive at Castlerock, I shall guarantee that you will have a grand match with this man:



My cousin, John French, newly-minted holder of the 102 year old Castlerock Cup.  I am exceedingly proud of him.

 

TH

ps - I had to find some excuse to post this.  

[Bill_McBride]

Huckster, a couple of rounds on the Castlerock links are definitely on the agenda.  We will be two couples so this will be leisurely golf, no double rounds unless I can saddle up Davidson for a p.m. tour.  There is the Bann course there, did you play it?  And please IM John's email so I can get in touch with him.  We would hope to stay with him for sure.  How far are Portsalon and Rosapenna?  Portstewart is a must, I'm not sure I need to get beat up by Portrush at this point.......

[Tom Huckaby]

Bill:

I will send you my cousin's email address - check your email in a bit.  As for the rest, Castlerock does have a 9-hole course - I think that's the Bann - I didn't play it but you can see the land it's on from the 18-hole course and man it looks crazy - some serious dunes.  

I'm not sure how far it is from Castlerock to Portsalon and Rosapenna, but I'm sure my cousin knows very well.

Just make sure you get the proper # of shots from my cousin, that's all... especially now that he is a Cup winner!

 

[David_Tepper]

Bill -

The Valley Course at Portrush is imminently suitable (and highly recommended) for mixed foursome golf. It is considered the "women's course" there, but I can assure you that the gentlemen in your group will enjoy it very much as well.

DT

[Bill_McBride]

Thanks, David.  I am looking forward to this trip a lot!

[David_Tepper]

Bill -

For more comments on & reviews of the Valley Course, go to:

www.top100golfcourses.co.uk/htmlsite/search.asp

In the "Search for Golf Courses" box, scroll down & click on "Royal Portrush (Vallley)."

[Bill_McBride]

Thanks, David, hope to give it a go.  

By the way, I LOVE that Top 100 list.  A few examples of why this is a GCA quirk fanatic's listing of the Top 100 in UK:

Royal Porthcawl 27
Cruden Bay 28
North Berwick West Links 35
Carne 47  (and Rye 51!)
Pennard 60!
Deal 80
Littlestone 89
Castlerock 96

As you can see, "links" is a criterion that elevates courses in this listing.

[Johnny_Browne]

Bill,
Royal Belfast is a Colt design and quite nice - views of the sea but not links.  Belvoir Park, another Colt course in Belfast is thought by those who know to be the best inland course in Ireland, albeit at 6500 yards short by todays standards. I am of course biased being a member but do look at the website - 5 original colt par 3s and one of the toughest finishes you could play.
Let me know if you need any advice.
Johnny

[Bill_McBride]

Thanks, Johnny, I will do so.

I don't suppose you're a County Armagh man by any chance, are you?  All my relatives on my dad's side came from Armagh and I am looking forward to a visit.  Unfortunately I have no idea from which town they came or even where to start!