RCD and Royal Portrush Courses

[Kaptain]

I'm putting together a trip for summer of '24 and have a question for those that have gone. We're planning on playing 36 at each of these clubs. Do you recommend playing 36 at Championship and Dunluce respectively, or mixing it up and playing 18 at each course at the club, Annesley/Championship and Valley/Dunluce?

[hammergolf]

I always like to play the “big” course twice so I’m more familiar in the second round. However, if you’re wanting to play more courses, I’d recommended Ardglass over the Annesley course in the RCD area and Portstewart over the Valley course in the Portrush area.

[El Gringo]

Valley Links is a quality course...highly recommend, especially if there is a deal.

[Kaptain]

7 hours ago, hammergolf said:

I always like to play the “big” course twice so I’m more familiar in the second round. However, if you’re wanting to play more courses, I’d recommended Ardglass over the Annesley course in the RCD area and Portstewart over the Valley course in the Portrush area.

Thanks for this. We’re already playing those two courses on separate days. I’m with you in liking to play the big courses twice but am torn at these two clubs due to the good reviews of the sister courses there. 

[Kaptain]

4 hours ago, El Gringo said:

Valley Links is a quality course...highly recommend, especially if there is a deal.

If you’ve played, do you feel the same about Annesley?

[El Gringo]

7 hours ago, Kaptain said:

If you’ve played, do you feel the same about Annesley?

I haven't played the Annesley since all the work. I would play it, but I like shorter courses. I tried to play it last August, but it was full! 

[hammergolf]

8 hours ago, Kaptain said:

Thanks for this. We’re already playing those two courses on separate days. I’m with you in liking to play the big courses twice but am torn at these two clubs due to the good reviews of the sister courses there. 

The really good news is you can’t go wrong. They are all good courses, just some preferences are different with different guys. Admittedly I’m a sucker for seeing coast and playing through dunes.

Edited February 25, 2023 by hammergolf

[jdpilot]

I also recommend playing Ardglass if you have time while you are in the RCD area. It’s one of my favorite “hidden gems.”

[hammergolf]

13 minutes ago, jdpilot said:

I also recommend playing Ardglass if you have time while you are in the RCD area. It’s one of my favorite “hidden gems.”

Might be the best opening 5 holes in links golf anywhere in the world.

[Chanceman]

4 hours ago, jdpilot said:

I also recommend playing Ardglass if you have time while you are in the RCD area. It’s one of my favorite “hidden gems.”

Hidden in plain sight. Also listen to Van Morrison song “Coney Island” for further insight.

[El Gringo]

31 minutes ago, Chanceman said:

Hidden in plain sight. Also listen to Van Morrison song “Coney Island” for further insight.

Interesting and that you brought up Van the Man. Because we couldn't get on Annesley, we toured Belfast using his songs. I really enjoyed the morning. Also played Malone, a highly respected Belfast club. The tour was better. 

[puttnforthe8]

On 2/24/2023 at 1:51 PM, Kaptain said:

I'm putting together a trip for summer of '24 and have a question for those that have gone. We're planning on playing 36 at each of these clubs. Do you recommend playing 36 at Championship and Dunluce respectively, or mixing it up and playing 18 at each course at the club, Annesley/Championship and Valley/Dunluce?

 

another for skip Ann and play Ardglass.  

[Kaptain]

On 2/26/2023 at 3:13 PM, puttnforthe8 said:

 

another for skip Ann and play Ardglass.  

 

On 2/25/2023 at 10:26 PM, jdpilot said:

I also recommend playing Ardglass if you have time while you are in the RCD area. It’s one of my favorite “hidden gems.”

 

Yeah, we're playing Ardglass on a different day (same with Portstewart). From the replies it sounds like we should play 36 at RCD Championship (and skip Annesley) but play 18/18 at RPR Valley/Dunluce.

[hammergolf]

2 hours ago, Kaptain said:

 

 

Yeah, we're playing Ardglass on a different day (same with Portstewart). From the replies it sounds like we should play 36 at RCD Championship (and skip Annesley) but play 18/18 at RPR Valley/Dunluce.

You’ll want a second crack at Dunluce because of the greens. For Open Championship standards they are on the small side.

[Kaptain]

Update: We got tee times at the courses, though not exactly how we wanted. I've had two different suggestions from Irish friends. One is stay four nights in Belfast and drive out to each of the RPR, Portstewart, RCD, Ardglass rounds (we'll have a van and driver). The other is to spend two nights in Portrush and two nights in Newcastle. Given the choice, did/would you select convenience of staying next to the course or a central location with great pubs/restaurants for after golf?

[El Gringo]

I would definitely stay near the courses. More windshield time is less time in the pub. 

Edited May 12, 2023 by El Gringo

[hammergolf]

3 hours ago, Kaptain said:

Update: We got tee times at the courses, though not exactly how we wanted. I've had two different suggestions from Irish friends. One is stay four nights in Belfast and drive out to each of the RPR, Portstewart, RCD, Ardglass rounds (we'll have a van and driver). The other is to spend two nights in Portrush and two nights in Newcastle. Given the choice, did/would you select convenience of staying next to the course or a central location with great pubs/restaurants for after golf?

I would definitely recommend the second option. Staying in Newcastle and Portrush is a better option than commuting in a van for 2+ hours each day. Belfast is ok, but you’ll have a much better time in NewCastle and Portrush or Portstewart. I’ve been to Ireland many times. The less windshield time the better.

Edited May 12, 2023 by hammergolf

[Kaptain]

17 hours ago, El Gringo said:

I would definitely stay near the courses. More windshield time is less time in the pub. 

 

14 hours ago, hammergolf said:

I would definitely recommend the second option. Staying in Newcastle and Portrush is a better option than commuting in a van for 2+ hours each day. Belfast is ok, but you’ll have a much better time in NewCastle and Portrush or Portstewart. I’ve been to Ireland many times. The less windshield time the better.

 

Thanks, guys.

[hammergolf]

4 minutes ago, Kaptain said:

 

 

Thanks, guys.

Here’s some pics from Portrush and Portstewart from my trip in October. Have a great trip!