As I step out of the car I take a deep breath of that fresh, crisp Irish air with its slightly salted tinge and the sounds of the waves crashing against the rocks, the hairs along my arms bristle with anticipation as it’s another links course, which is my favourite type of golf course. When I spot the first tee perched right outside the clubhouse on the rocks with the Irish Sea crashing against them I have to smile to myself, I take a look up the fairway and spot the green between some dunes protected by a bunker. What a perfect way to start a round of golf.
I try to contain my excitement as I check in with Paul Vaughan who is the professional here and after a refreshing drink in the bar, I am off and standing on that very tee and crash my drive up the fairway. What I didn’t see on my arrival at the green, but comes into view in spectacular fashion is the backdrop to that 1st green; my eyes light up at the wonderful vistas. Of course, there’s only one way to follow that opening hole and that is to have a par 3, played over an inlet with the sea glistening in the background. Ardglass you certainly know how to make a statement.
Top: Looking back over the cliff to the 2nd tee Above: LtoR 1st, 10th and 13th holes
I have to say, I am not even sure that the 2nd is the best par 3 on the course, the 10th played downhill with the sea and village as a backdrop, the 12th again played from an elevated tee with more sea views and the 7th with its tiny white cottage to the right of the green again with those stunning sea views.
They are all amazing golf holes, but it’s hard to pick a favourite hole on this course. The 11th, a beautifully designed par 5 that runs along the edge of the sea and follows the shore line which moves gently round to the right, could just pip it for me.
I know a lot of people don’t like blind holes and there are several here where you take your line from the white stones, but to be honest when you stand on the elevated tee on the 18th looking down to the green and the clubhouse beyond with the 2nd tee just to your right, I’m sure I am not the only one to think, let me just pop over there and go again. Ardglass, the pleasure has certainly been all mine. Thank you for some wonderful memories.
