Above Par: Spectacular Golf and Luxury Hotel Stays in Northern Ireland

The Emerald Isle is known for its greenery, but when it comes to greens, Northern Ireland is often overlooked as enthusiasts head for the home of golf: Scotland. Of course, Northern Ireland may not have the same golfing history as its Celtic neighbour, but it has a rich golfing pedigree. It’s the home of legends, including Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke, and then there are the courses. Royal Portrush, Galgorm Castle and Royal County Down might be the famous names, but they’re far from the only top-class courses in this relatively small country.

In fact, Northern Ireland has around 400 golf courses – roughly twice as many as Wales, which has 50% more people. And with all 400 courses within around two hours’ drive (pun intended) of each other, it’s arguably the ideal golf destination for holidaymakers from Great Britain.

As a result, the country is keen to get more golfers to cross its borders and make use of the lush greenery, ample space and occasionally challenging but often beautiful weather. Just a 15-minute drive from Belfast International Airport (also known as Aldergrove) is a shining example of the country’s ambition. It’s called the Templepatrick Golf Club at DoubleTree’s Kingfisher Country Estate resort, and it’s under new ownership as part of DoubleTree’s move to a franchise-based business model. That means the hotel is undergoing major renovations, bringing the rooms up to date and building new lodges and apartments on-site. Money is also being pumped into the golf course, with the owners expecting to spend £30,000 a hole to make it more challenging for members and visitors alike.

Further across the country is a resort that’s already mastered the art. The Lough Erne Resort is named after the huge lake that dominates the view from the rooms, and the owners have turned it into a haven for golfers and non-playing punters alike. The spa is the ideal place to relax after a morning out on the course, while visitors can stay either in the hotel itself or in the numerous lodges, all of which offer classic style and welcoming comfort after a day on the course.

But the Lough Erne Resort is really about golf, and to that end, it has not one but two courses on its land. Castle Hume is a championship-standard parkland course that has hosted the Ulster PGA Championship, and it’s the resident golf club at Lough Erne. With more than 7,000 trees, numerous ponds and streams, and exquisitely manicured fairways, it would make a pleasant walk, but the beauty belies the challenge. Although the elevation changes are less savage than some courses in hillier areas of the country, Castle Hume’s treacherous contours and severe dog-legs provide more than enough difficulty. And while the trees look innocent enough, their strategic positioning might tempt the unwary into some corner cutting, but their branches stretch high and wide to catch any poorly executed attempts.

This is a course that rewards accuracy rather than distance, and while the ability to rip it like Bryson de Chambeau might be useful on one or two holes, it’s much more important to hit it straight and true. Respectable scores can be managed without even drawing the driver from the bag, and some of the dog-leg holes will punish those who get too greedy off the tee. The normal rules of solid club golf — use your shots and don’t take too many risks — will serve you well here.

But perhaps more important is the ability to putt well. Putting is always key to good scores, but mastering the speed of the greens (they aren’t that fast) and a good read of the numerous but sometimes subtle contours will stand you in good stead. Even relatively short putts will often involve a couple of direction changes, so take your time to work out what the ball will do. Thankfully, all this will be doable for the average club golfer, and as with so many things in this sport, it’s all about winning the battle with your mind. Stay humble, and a strong score will be in your grasp. Take risks, and the course will ensure your scorecard makes unpleasant reading.

But while the parkland course of Castle Hume is a pleasant challenge for most club players, the neighbouring Faldo course is a much sterner and more imposing test. The name alone is enough to put doubt in the minds of less confident players, and those feeling out of form might be well advised to approach the course without any prior reading. Ignorance is bliss.

Here are the vital stats for those feeling bold and up for the challenge: Designed by Sir Nick Faldo – yep, the six-time major winner – the 7,071-yard, par-72 course brings Lough Erne into play on 11 of the 18 holes. The most memorable of these is the 10th, dubbed Emerald Isle, which sees players approach a green surrounded by water on three sides, but special mention should go to the 5th. This par-three plays over the water to a green protected by water to the front and hedges to the rear. It goes without saying that accuracy is vital.

Despite the challenges of the Faldo course, it’s a beautiful place to play golf. Drop this course anywhere, and it would be a stunner, with links-esque holes sitting alongside parkland-style holes with remarkable ease. Given its proximity to Castle Hume, players might be surprised by the marked increase in elevation changes, but that only serves to provide further vantage points from which to survey that stunning Irish scenery. Beware the wind, though, which comes into play more dramatically on some holes than others. Stay sensible, play the percentages, and you’ll come back from your round feeling a strong sense of achievement. If there’s a price to pay for taking risks at Castle Hume, that’s doubled on the Faldo course.

Round over, the Lough Erne resort allows you to sit back and relax (or stew over your errors) in opulent comfort. The rooms are spectacular, and the communal areas are beautifully appointed. There’s a well-stocked, comfortable bar downstairs and the Catalina restaurant that serves some stunning views and even more impressive food. And we say that even though expectations skyrocket when you discover the boss holds the title ‘Culinary Director’ rather than the more mundane ‘Head Chef’.

If you’d rather explore more of Northern Ireland, though, Lough Erne is well placed. Gin fans will enjoy the down-to-earth staff and brilliant tour at the nearby Boatyard Distillery, while those of a more artistic persuasion might prefer the famous Belleek Pottery Chinaware visitor centre. And that’s before we mention the numerous castles and stately homes dotted around the area. You can even venture into the Republic of Ireland – only half an hour away – and explore Donegal or Sligo. After all, great golf courses are all well and good, but as the bosses of Kingfisher have realised, you need more than that to make a great destination.

What: Spectacular Golf and Luxury Hotels
Where: Across Northern Ireland
Web: ireland.com/golf