Malone Golf Club was founded in 1895, having moved four times before finally settling in its current 330 acres of beautiful wooded parkland situated only five miles from Belfast city center, in a secluded getaway yet with the convenience of the city. This unique setting is evident from the moment you arrive and drive down the impressive tree-lined entrance, which lies beyond stunning gates, creating the ultimate first impression.
Widely considered as one of the best parkland courses in Ireland there are 27 holes designed by CK Cotton and Associates. The main course comprises of two distinct nines, named the Drumbridge and Ballydrain. The nine-hole course is called the Edenderry, and each of the names come from surrounding local areas. The main course is 6,689 yards with a Par 71.
The key feature of the course is the beautiful native trout lake which extends over 25 acres and comes into play on the 13th hole, with your tee shot on the 15th played entirely over water. The entire length of the left side of the 18th hole is also impacted by the lake, making the finishing hole, in particular, a daunting conclusion. Beautiful mature trees shape many of the holes, creating an exciting challenge with a mixture of long, challenging holes with more score-able shorter Par fours.
The Clubhouse is designed in a Tudor Revival style, and it is a beautiful old building with a sympathetic modern extension overlooking the lake. On one of the gateposts by the entrance, if you look carefully, you will find a ‘V’ for victory sign, left by the Allied Forces based there during the Second World War. The club shop sells a range of merchandise with the bar and restaurant offering a variety of food and drink sure to appeal to all appetites and has excellent views overlooking the lake, the greens and the ancient woodlands beyond.
Overall Malone is a beautiful parkland course with a setting to match and is most certainly not one to be overlooked if in the Greater Belfast area.
