Ballycastle Golf Club was formed in 1890 and is one of nine founding members of the Golf Union of Ireland. The course was updated in 1906 and extended to 18 holes twenty years after that.
Every June, there is a major four round amateur golf competition held on the Irish Antrim coast. Competitors play Castlerock, the Strand at Portstewart, Portrush and Ballycastle. The club is justifiably proud of their involvement in this prestigious tournament and proud to be in such great company as the other courses that are played.
Measuring 5,876 yards, it is regarded by some as a quirky course with many changes in elevation. Quirky it may be but Ballycastle is never uninteresting! The first five holes are played on parkland beside the Margy River and the ruins of the Bonamargy Abbey. The remaining holes are laid out along the coast, holes 11 to 17 run up one side of a cliff, along the top, then back down the other side.
Views across to Rathlin Island, and the Mull of Kintyre on a good day, are simply sensational and are an important factor in the golfing experience at Ballycastle. The stunning view from the tee of the par 3 17th, with the green lying over 100 feet below, is one of dozens you’ll experience as you play Ballycastle. Enjoy!
