Royal Belfast Golf Club

The course and its history

The club was founded in 1881 on land at Kinnegar in Holywood, moved to Carnalea in 1892 and settled at Craigavad in 1925, where Harry Colt laid out the present course. The club calls it one of Northern Ireland's premier inland courses, although it runs along the shore of Belfast Lough. Its par threes are a feature: four of the five measure more than 175 yards. Two of the last three holes are testing par fives, so a good score has to be protected right to the end.

Booking and visitor practicalities

Visitors book tee times online through the club website, and handicap and booking requirements apply. Players are asked to be on the first tee at least ten minutes before their starting time. The pro shop, run by the club professional, can arrange hire clubs or a caddie. Smart attire is expected at all times, both on the course and in the clubhouse. Groups arriving by coach should note the low bridge at the entrance to the course, which has a height restriction of 11 feet.

Getting there

Craigavad is a short drive from Belfast city centre along the shore of Belfast Lough. The club says it is about ten minutes from George Best Belfast City Airport, 15 minutes from Belfast Harbour and around 40 minutes from Belfast International Airport. Tee time and general enquiries go through the club office.

Highlights

• Founded in 1881 – the club claims to be the oldest in Ireland
• Course designed by Harry Colt at Craigavad in 1925
• Runs along the shore of Belfast Lough
• Four of the five par threes are over 175 yards

Good to know

• Handicap and booking requirements apply to visitors
• Arrive on the first tee at least ten minutes before your time
• Smart attire required on the course and in the clubhouse
• Low bridge at the entrance: 11-foot height limit for coaches

Frequently asked questions