If traveling to Northern Ireland, Belfast is the logical airport, and the city sits about half-way between Newcastle (think Royal County Down) and Portrush (think Royal Portrush and Portstewart). If you are in search of a good parkland course, a taste of back home, then Belfast is an excellent location. Belfast is home to a few great parkland courses; Belvoir, Hollywood and Malone.
We took the opportunity and treated ourselves to a night at the Belfast Culloden Estate and Spa, located halfway between Belfast and Bangor. The hotel, with spectacular view of Belfast Lough, was perfect. A short walk through the Estate grounds sits the Cultra Inn, with wonderful food and an inviting atmosphere.
After a 5 star night at Culloden, we teed it up at Malone GC. The course offers 27 holes of rolling hills and lush parkland vegetation. It really did feel like we were back home in the hills of East Tennessee. The course was in great condition and very fun to play. We played the Ballydrain 9 followed by the Drumbridge 9.
The course is built around a natural pond/lake, and water comes into play on several holes. Most notably the 6th and 9th holes on Ballydrain. The 6th is a beautiful par 3 over water and the green sticks out slightly into the lake. The Ballydrain finishing hole also involves an over water carry from the tee box and then the fairway and green hug the water down the right side.
Looking down the ninth fairway (Drumbridge Course) from the behind the tee boxes.
The 9th green (Drumbridge Course) and clubhouse
9th fairway (Drumbridge Course) from middle of fairway.
Overall, a wonderful experience and a great course. If you are dead set on playing links style courses, this is not for you. If you would like to experience how the Irish do parkland, Malone is worth the price of admission.