The return of the Open again put the focus on Northern Ireland and we asked Belfast Live readers to have their say. Over 1,000 duly did that
17:44, 06 Aug 2025Updated 17:45, 06 Aug 2025
Rory McIlroy plays a shot on the eighth hole at Royal County Down, Newcastle(Image: ©INPHO/Ben Brady)
The eyes of the golfing world have been on Northern Ireland this summer, and they love what they have seen. Royal Portrush was the big winner from the 2025 Open, as one of the finest golf courses anywhere in the world hosted the Open.
It was a true test of golf and the event was won in the end by world number one Scottie Scheffler as the challenge of Rory McIlroy and others fell short in the end. While Portrush was hailed as a golfing paradise by players and pundits alike during the Open, many here reckon it’s not even the best course in Northern Ireland.
We boast a rich golfing history and a range of spectacular courses for visitors to choose from. With over 90 courses on offer, our blend of proper links and parklands is a real hit with golf tourists.
The emergence of local stars like McIlroy and before him, major champions Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell put Northern Ireland on the golfing map internationally and NI Tourism reckon over 29,000 golfers came here to play golf in 2023 alone.
Read next: Northern Ireland’s top 10 golf courses ranked and how much it costs to play them
That figure will grow hugely after the Irish Open was staged here at Royal County Down last year and then the Open returned this summer.
During the Open, Belfast Live ran a poll among readers to gauge which course they reckon is the best Northern Ireland has to offer. It developed into a two horse race, but there was a clear winner in the end among over 1,000 people who participated.
There are two world-renowned links courses on the rugged Causeway Coast. Portstewart Golf Club and Castlerock Golf Club offer challenging links golf in a world of towering sand dunes, undulating fairways and tricky manicured greens.
County Down also boasts a selection of must-play courses. Top of the list is Royal County Down Golf Club – previously named number one in Golf Digest’s Top 100 Courses in the World outside of the US. Add Ardglass Golf Club into the mix and County Down is just starting to show off.
Lough Erne Resort is a five-star showstopper; a jewel in the shimmering crown of the Fermanagh Lakelands while Malone is among the best we have to offer nestled right here in Belfast. That’s not to mention the likes of Warrenpoint and Galgorm.
Result of the best golf club in Northern Ireland poll on Belfast Live
Among the poll of over 1,000 Belfast Live readers, the Royal seal of approval went to Portrush and County Down, with Portrush just losing out in the end.
Portstewart and Ardglass were ranked third and fourth on the list.
We are truly blessed with the quality and variety on offer as well as the affordability of most places. While Portrush and County Down are more exclusive and costly, you don’t need to be a member to play on most of the courses here. Just book your tee time and turn up.
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