Open Championship this summer...advice needed...

[_Hawk3y3_]

Long story short, I'm looking to play one round of golf as a single during my trip to this year's Open at Portrush (7/12-7/19).   I was selected for tickets in this year's ticket ballot, and Ireland is a bucket list destination for my wife.  I'm also bringing along my parents.  While my father introduced me to the game, his health status has him relegated to "spectator" status for this trip, so he won't be playing.  Even though I'll have the opportunity to play on several days, I'm only going to devote one of them to a round on the course.  This will be more of an "experience Ireland" trip rather than a golfing trip.  And I'm fine with that.  As nice as it would have been to turn this into a buddies trip, things didn't work out that way.  Guess I'll just have to make the trek across the pond for the golf trip of a lifetime on another occasion.

 

All that being said, I'm trying to decide where I should play my one round.  We will be staying in Belfast, for reference.  I don't really want to play a parkland style course, as I can get that any time I want here in central Wisconsin.  The go-to answers here are typically to play Royal County Down, Portrush, and Portstewart.  Even if there were any availability, I've read that RCD and Portstewart will have heavily restricted tee times during the week of the Open.  And I'm just getting this gut feeling that no matter how many strings I try to pull I won't be able to manage a tee time at Royal Portrush.  😏   My current thought is to book a round at Ardglass.  I don't know if one should consider it a links style or a cliffside style, but it certainly fits the bill of "this isn't my everyday type round in Wisconsin".  I can easily book a round online today if I wanted to, I've read that they are incredibly welcoming to visitors, and it has the bonus of only being an hour's drive from where we are staying in Belfast.

 

To those of you who are more familiar with this part of the world...am I way off base here?  What other places should I be considering?  Any thoughts and suggestions are appreciated.  Thanks a bunch everybody!

[hammergolf]

13 minutes ago, _Hawk3y3_ said:

Long story short, I'm looking to play one round of golf as a single during my trip to this year's Open at Portrush (7/12-7/19).   I was selected for tickets in this year's ticket ballot, and Ireland is a bucket list destination for my wife.  I'm also bringing along my parents.  While my father introduced me to the game, his health status has him relegated to "spectator" status for this trip, so he won't be playing.  Even though I'll have the opportunity to play on several days, I'm only going to devote one of them to a round on the course.  This will be more of an "experience Ireland" trip rather than a golfing trip.  And I'm fine with that.  As nice as it would have been to turn this into a buddies trip, things didn't work out that way.  Guess I'll just have to make the trek across the pond for the golf trip of a lifetime on another occasion.

 

All that being said, I'm trying to decide where I should play my one round.  We will be staying in Belfast, for reference.  I don't really want to play a parkland style course, as I can get that any time I want here in central Wisconsin.  The go-to answers here are typically to play Royal County Down, Portrush, and Portstewart.  Even if there were any availability, I've read that RCD and Portstewart will have heavily restricted tee times during the week of the Open.  And I'm just getting this gut feeling that no matter how many strings I try to pull I won't be able to manage a tee time at Royal Portrush.  😏   My current thought is to book a round at Ardglass.  I don't know if one should consider it a links style or a cliffside style, but it certainly fits the bill of "this isn't my everyday type round in Wisconsin".  I can easily book a round online today if I wanted to, I've read that they are incredibly welcoming to visitors, and it has the bonus of only being an hour's drive from where we are staying in Belfast.

 

To those of you who are more familiar with this part of the world...am I way off base here?  What other places should I be considering?  Any thoughts and suggestions are appreciated.  Thanks a bunch everybody!

The better question might be which, if any courses have any spots available. The famous courses and those near Portrush have mostly been booked up for over a year. If Ardglass has any availability I would highly recommend it. It has some great cliff side holes and you won’t meet a more friendly membership and staff. How many days will you be there? Will you just be in Northern Ireland, or will you be visiting areas of Ireland as well? 

Edited February 8 by hammergolf

[_Hawk3y3_]

Just now, hammergolf said:

The better question might be which, if any courses have any spots available. The famous courses and those near Portrush have mostly been booked up for over a year. If Ardglass has any availability I would highly recommend it. It has sone great cliff side holes and you won’t meet a more friendly membership and staff. How many days will you be there? Will you just be in Northern Ireland, or will you be visiting areas of Ireland as well? 

I have a rental car, and would be willing to drive for the right course, whether it be in Northern Ireland or not. Ardglass has available tee times and isn't a long drive. But if something significantly better required a 2.5 hour drive, I would be open to it.

[hammergolf]

12 minutes ago, _Hawk3y3_ said:

I have a rental car, and would be willing to drive for the right course, whether it be in Northern Ireland or not. Ardglass has available tee times and isn't a long drive. But if something significantly better required a 2.5 hour drive, I would be open to it.

2.5hrs from Belfast gives you some other options:

 

Ballyliffin Glashedy #13 in Ireland 2hrs

County Louth #10 in Ireland 1.5hrs

The Island #7 in Ireland 1hr 45mins

Portmarnock #4 in Ireland 2hrs

Rosapenna St. Patrick’s #3 in Ireland 2.5hrs

 

      I really like Ardglass but the courses I’ve listed above are all top tier. If I was in Belfast and never going to Ireland again I would probably pick Ballyliffin or St. Pats at Rosapenna. However, if I was going to be making another golf trip to Ireland I would just play Ardglass and save the other courses for the return trip.

 

      

 

 

[_Hawk3y3_]

17 minutes ago, hammergolf said:

2.5hrs from Belfast gives you some other options:

 

Ballyliffin Glashedy #13 in Ireland 2hrs

County Louth #10 in Ireland 1.5hrs

The Island #7 in Ireland 1hr 45mins

Portmarnock #4 in Ireland 2hrs

Rosapenna St. Patrick’s #3 in Ireland 2.5hrs

 

      I really like Ardglass but the courses I’ve listed above are all top tier. If I was in Belfast and never going to Ireland again I would probably pick Ballyliffin or St. Pats at Rosapenna. However, if I was going to be making another golf trip to Ireland I would just play Ardglass and save the other courses for the return trip.

 

      

 

 

I will look into those options. Thank you kindly for your input. 

[joe perry]

4 hours ago, hammergolf said:

2.5hrs from Belfast gives you some other options:

 

Ballyliffin Glashedy #13 in Ireland 2hrs

County Louth #10 in Ireland 1.5hrs

The Island #7 in Ireland 1hr 45mins

Portmarnock #4 in Ireland 2hrs

Rosapenna St. Patrick’s #3 in Ireland 2.5hrs

 

      I really like Ardglass but the courses I’ve listed above are all top tier. If I was in Belfast and never going to Ireland again I would probably pick Ballyliffin or St. Pats at Rosapenna. However, if I was going to be making another golf trip to Ireland I would just play Ardglass and save the other courses for the return trip.

 

      

 

 

 

Rosapenna has 3 links courses

 

St Patrick's Links is modern links with a slightly different look to the other 2 courses at Rosapenna 

Old Tom Morris Links is classic links golf 

Sandty Hills Links is a more muscular undulating links course

 

 

If you are ok with the drive to Rosapenna or if St Patrick's was booked out you could consider Portsalon as it would be the same distance time wise

 

Also Castlerock near Portstewart is a great Links course

 

Ardglass is not a true Links course - majority of holes are not on Links Land

 

 

if you are Driving a couple hours each way and you have plenty of daylight any chance for 36 holes in one day ?

 

Ballyliffen has 2 distinctly different links courses and a great clubhouse for meal in between

 

Rosapnnea 18 holes (3 links to choose from) plus another 18 at Portsalon just a short drive away would take you to some of the most scenic spots in all of Ireland

 

 

Edited February 9 by joe perry

[_Hawk3y3_]

10 minutes ago, joe perry said:

 

Rosapenna has 3 links courses

 

St Patrick's Links is modern links with a slightly different look to the other 2 courses at Rosapenna 

Old Tom Morris Links is classic links golf 

Sandty Hills Links is a more muscular undulating links course

 

 

If you are ok with the drive to Rosapenna or if St Patrick's was booked out you could consider Portsalon as it would be the same distance time wise

 

Also Castlerock near Portstewart is a great Links course

 

Ardglass is not a true Links course - majority of holes are not on Links Land

 

 

if you are Driving a couple hours each way and you have plenty of daylight any chance for 36 holes in one day ?

 

Ballyliffen has 2 distinctly different links courses and a great clubhouse for meal in between

 

Rosapnnea 18 holes (3 links to choose from) plus another 18 at Portsalon just a short drive away would take you to some of the most scenic spots in all of Ireland

 

 

Had not thought much about 36 in a day, but it is conceivable. Thanks very much for the insight. I'll look into those courses.

[joe perry]

Enjoy Royal Portrush (I think it's slightly better than RCD) 

 

The Giants Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Bushmills Distillery, Beaches at Portrush and Portstewart and the coastal roads and towns spanning Castlerock to Ballycastle are EPIC - Just a very special place 

 

You can drive the rental car on the beach at Portstewart for a small fee and there is a great seafood shack just as you enter the sand if you have time for food

 

Have you been to Belfast before ?    Good Lively Pubs and Restaurants at Night

 

 

Edited February 9 by joe perry

[_Hawk3y3_]

3 minutes ago, joe perry said:

Enjoy Royal Portrush (I think it's slightly better than RCD) 

 

The Giants Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Bushmills Distillery, Beaches at Portrush and Portstewart and the coastal roads and towns spanning Castlerock to Ballycastle are EPIC - Just a very special place 

 

Have you been to Belfast before ?    Good Lively Pubs and Restaurants at Night

 

 

This will be my first time in the UK. Hope to get back for a golf trip someday, as this is shaping up to be more of a "see and do as much as we can" type of trip. But I'm certainly going to carve out some time to dip my toe into the waters of Irish golf.

[joe perry]

Irish Golf specifically Irish Links Courses are the best on the planet 

Edited February 9 by joe perry

[st1800e]

I’d recommend Co. Louth.  Top condition and very good caddies.  Used in the past for The Open qualifying.  You can play the others on your next trip 😉

[Hawkeye77]

Just looked this up now you’ve picked your golf - if you want a great and rustic pub experience try Kelly’s Cellars and a morning at the busy St. George’s Market could be fun for the gang if you are nearby on an open day. 

[Shilgy]

On 2/8/2025 at 8:42 PM, joe perry said:

Enjoy Royal Portrush (I think it's slightly better than RCD) 

 

The Giants Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Bushmills Distillery, Beaches at Portrush and Portstewart and the coastal roads and towns spanning Castlerock to Ballycastle are EPIC - Just a very special place 

 

You can drive the rental car on the beach at Portstewart for a small fee and there is a great seafood shack just as you enter the sand if you have time for food

 

Have you been to Belfast before ?    Good Lively Pubs and Restaurants at Night

 

 

I would add the Titanic museum in Belfast as a much visit as well.

 Wife and I went in 2019 to Royal Portrush and visited your other suggestions. All are must sees.

Edited June 23 by Shilgy

[Greg_egg]

Was over there recently. Some of the courses in that area have barely any spots available for MEMBERS during July, so I'd imagine visitor tee times also difficult to come by.

 

As a single you might be able to get a tee time anywhere last minute, so you could hold out and then book when over there. Might give you more flexibility. 

 

FWIW, I played Ardglass and its a fine course. Fun - a good mix of holes. Scenic. Welcoming people. Not in the top echelon of courses, but I find they're all fun courses over there. If you can only play one, don't over think it and play Ardglass, you'll have fun either way.

Edited June 23 by Greg_egg

[cardoustie]

Ardglass does have some stunning holes

 

i absolutely loved Enniscrone but it’s 3.5 hrs 

[TBD203]

I really enjoyed Ardglass back in 2015, and it's got one of the coolest opening tee shots on planet earth.

[ToTheBunker]

Will be there and plan on playing Ardglass and Bellycastle. Have heard good words on both and seen some convincing course vlogs.

[Mullenboy]

This was being discussed in February.  He must have his plans made by now.  But if not....

 

Ardglass is my second favorite club in Ireland.  I had so much fun there I joined as an overseas member on the spot.  Yes there are a few mundane holes, but there are also several spectacular ones.  And the people there are fantastic.  You can't go wrong with it.  Although... likely due to more publicity in recent years... I hear their price has gone way up.  Oh well.  It used to be a hidden gem.

 

But do you want to have the most fun one can have playing this game?

 

Take the long drive to 9-hole Cruit Island.  Play it several times.  Quirky fun awesome seaside course.... fantastic people... ends of the earth... just awesome awesome awesome.

 

That is a long drive from Portrush.  But I swear it is worth it.

 

 

Edited June 23 by Mullenboy

[TBD203]

I have to go back to Ireland. So many hidden gems to play, and I didn't have nearly enough time when I was caddying in 2015 for the British Senior Amateur.

[Mullenboy]

10 minutes ago, TBD203 said:

I have to go back to Ireland. So many hidden gems to play, and I didn't have nearly enough time when I was caddying in 2015 for the British Senior Amateur.

You and me both.  Hitting the known greats is of course mandatory.  They are all so awesome.  Buy my gosh are there sooooo many lesser-knowns that are so fun.  In a perfect world I'd spend several months over there.  I'd never get tired of any of it.  Sadly my world is imperfect.  🙂

Edited June 23 by Mullenboy

[SilverBullets]

If you're making a long drive, Portmarnock is so freaking good! It became one of the highlights of my trip to Scotland/Ireland which included some bangers: The old course, Portrush, RCD, Ballybunion and Kingsbarns. I only had RCD ahead of it (I mean TOC is such an incredible experience but layout wise, Portmarnock is probably better).... 

 

I thought Portmarnock was better than Kingsbarns and Ballybunion (and a lot better than ballybunion but I didn't really care for it)... I liked the layout at Portmarnock more than Royal Portrush but the overall experience at RP was better if that makes sense. 

[cardoustie]

8 hours ago, Mullenboy said:

This was being discussed in February.  He must have his plans made by now.  But if not....

 

Ardglass is my second favorite club in Ireland.  I had so much fun there I joined as an overseas member on the spot.  Yes there are a few mundane holes, but there are also several spectacular ones.  And the people there are fantastic.  You can't go wrong with it.  Although... likely due to more publicity in recent years... I hear their price has gone way up.  Oh well.  It used to be a hidden gem.

 

But do you want to have the most fun one can have playing this game?

 

Take the long drive to 9-hole Cruit Island.  Play it several times.  Quirky fun awesome seaside course.... fantastic people... ends of the earth... just awesome awesome awesome.

 

That is a long drive from Portrush.  But I swear it is worth it.

 

 

My wife and i absolutely loved Cruit Island 

[Greg_egg]

7 hours ago, SilverBullets said:

If you're making a long drive, Portmarnock is so freaking good! It became one of the highlights of my trip to Scotland/Ireland which included some bangers: The old course, Portrush, RCD, Ballybunion and Kingsbarns. I only had RCD ahead of it (I mean TOC is such an incredible experience but layout wise, Portmarnock is probably better).... 

 

I thought Portmarnock was better than Kingsbarns and Ballybunion (and a lot better than ballybunion but I didn't really care for it)... I liked the layout at Portmarnock more than Royal Portrush but the overall experience at RP was better if that makes sense. 

 

I second Portmarnock. Their clubhouse is also a beauty.

[_Hawk3y3_]

Didn't expect this to resurface again.  Hard to believe it's just under 2 weeks until I fly out.  There's a rough agenda for about half of our time in Ireland.  Playing Ardglass on Monday 7/14, likely attending the Tuesday practice round and Thursday competition round at Portrush.  

On 6/19/2025 at 6:44 PM, Hawkeye77 said:

Just looked this up now you’ve picked your golf - if you want a great and rustic pub experience try Kelly’s Cellars and a morning at the busy St. George’s Market could be fun for the gang if you are nearby on an open day. 

Thanks for the recommendations, Greg.  We are staying about 2 miles north of St. George's Market, and my wife has already identified it as something that she wants to do.