Northern Ireland advice for Nnnnnnnn.........ovember

[Liverbirdie]

Hi all,

We were booked in at Castely rock, but Cercei has kicked write off and said she'll kill us all if we come, some fella called John said winters coming, but we know, its November, you daft twonk.

So, were staying at Portballintrae, and flying back from Belfast int'l at 18.30 (need to be at the airport for say 17.00 latest) and its also a Sunday.

We prefer a good links, or a very well draining course and don't mind travelling even up to an hour and a half out of our way.

We don't mind shelling out for somewhere good, and are already playing Royal County Down, Ballyliffin and Royal portrush.

We cant get on Portstewart and castlerock is down to 13 holes. Had a look at Ballycastle, but any other recommendations.:thup:

 

[JT77]

What about the Valley course at Portrush, if you are playing the royal and looking somewhere else handy?

 

[Deleted member 17920]

What about the Valley course at Portrush, if you are playing the royal and looking somewhere else handy?

Cant get on either on the Sunday.

Its remembrance day so a lot are struggling to get us on.

We had booked Castlerock but they are doing some major work this winter now and are having 8 holes closed.

 

[Junior]

Ballycastle is probably your best bet if non of the 'big ones' are available. Further down, Malone is a great set up in Belfast and Cairndu is a good track, but obviously not in the league of the ones you're playing. Is the other course at Ballyliffin not available ?

 

[Deleted member 17920]

Ballycastle is probably your best bet if non of the 'big ones' are available. Further down, Malone is a great set up in Belfast and Cairndu is a good track, but obviously not in the league of the ones you're playing. Is the other course at Ballyliffin not available ?

Playing them both on the Saturday

 

[stevek1969]

The Valley is a cracking course in its own right or try Ballyliffen its about and hour in the car from Portrush

 

[corrupthalo]

Ballycastle is a great course.

 

[Deleted Member 1156]

Rosapenna is close to Ballyliffin, 2 links courses there. Sandy Hills is the better of the two.

 

[Deleted member 17920]

Rosapenna is close to Ballyliffin, 2 links courses there. Sandy Hills is the better of the two.

Rosapenna closes at the end of October for the winter I think.

 

[Deleted member 17920]

Ballycastle is a great course.

Cheers for that :thup:

 

[Coffey]

Yeah Ballycastle is really the only other one around that area, but it wouldn't be anywhere near the ones you have lined up.

A good few parkland courses around Belfast area but no idea how dry they would be.

Other option would be Kirkistown which is down the ards peninsula, about 45 mins from Belfast, this may be too far though?

 

[garyinderry]

Ballycastle is probably your best bet if non of the 'big ones' are available. Further down, Malone is a great set up in Belfast and Cairndu is a good track, but obviously not in the league of the ones you're playing. Is the other course at Ballyliffin not available ?

They need to find a links. it pretty much hasn't stopped raining here since may.

 

[Junior]

They need to find a links. it pretty much hasn't stopped raining here since may.

Looks like Ballycastle or the courses D4S mentions.

The only other one I'll throw in the mix isn't one that you would rush to play on a golf trip and it's not a patch on Ballycastle .... BUT if your looking to play a quick (cheap) 9 holes on a Links on the way back to the airport then check out http://www.larnegolfclub.co.uk/. It'll far from blow your socks off, but the welcome is awesome and you will enjoy the views.

Ive been round it many times having had to leave fees in the honesty box. The 7th and 8th or (16th/17th) are great holes.

 

[smange]

Rosapenna closes at the end of October for the winter I think.

The hotel closes for winter but both courses are open all year, two good golf courses with the Old Tom being more traditional old style links, Sandy Hills is a cracker, tough as old boots too. Probably around a two hour drive from where you staying though.

Roughly about same travel time will also bring in other links courses like Portsalon, Donegal G.C and Narin & Portnoo

If looking for links I would rule out Ballycastle as it really only has 5 maybe 6 holes that are proper links holes and the rest of it will be wet.

Unless the weather changes for the better which in this part of the world is highly unlikely I would advise to stay away from parkland, a lot of courses already had to go to lift, clean and place as it's been so wet the last couple of months.

When in November are you here and in particular what dates you at Ballyliffin?

 

[Liverbirdie]

The hotel closes for winter but both courses are open all year, two good golf courses with the Old Tom being more traditional old style links, Sandy Hills is a cracker, tough as old boots too. Probably around a two hour drive from where you staying though.

Roughly about same travel time will also bring in other links courses like Portsalon, Donegal G.C and Narin & Portnoo

If looking for links I would rule out Ballycastle as it really only has 5 maybe 6 holes that are proper links holes and the rest of it will be wet.

Unless the weather changes for the better which in this part of the world is highly unlikely I would advise to stay away from parkland, a lot of courses already had to go to lift, clean and place as it's been so wet the last couple of months.

When in November are you here and in particular what dates you at Ballyliffin?

Hi Smange,

Thursday 9th - Sunday 12th of November.

Ballyliffin (both courses) are on the Saturday.

BTW, if any of the NI or Irish lads fancy joining us for any of the rounds, would be good to meet up with a few of you. I think we have 2-3 spaces in some of the times, as we have 9 booked in, although hopefully Gary in Derry (plus, he may also bring a mate) may join us on some of the days, if his back clears up. Can probably get another tee time, if required. RCD is on the Thursday.

 

[garyinderry]

If rosapenna is open it is worth the trip over. its the kind of golf course where you would find yourself in a different nook and cranny every day of the year. such a rugged and undulating piece of land.

 

[Tripod]

Portsalon is better than Rosapenna. Easily. But it’s a couple of hours to get there (but well worth it IMO)

 

[garyinderry]

Portsalon is better than Rosapenna. Easily. But it’s a couple of hours to get there (but well worth it IMO)

Everyone has their favourites but IMO its not even close. I love portsalon. Excellent value for money but Rosapenna is for me and the top monthly rankings agree, its a by far superior golf course.

 

[richart]

Not read all the thread, but Ardglass is a decent course, and would play again next time we are in the area. Played Kirkistown Castle as well, which our higher handicappers enjoyed, as not as tough.

 

[Deleted member 17920]

Not read all the thread, but Ardglass is a decent course, and would play again next time we are in the area. Played Kirkistown Castle as well, which our higher handicappers enjoyed, as not as tough.

Did try Ardglass but the only tee times they have are 12.40 onwards and with sunset at 16.20 its pushing it as its already busy.

Looks lovely though