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Above
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beyond par Portstewart Golf Club Rory McIlroy. Image credit: Getty
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mong a serene hilltop on the outskirts of Belfast in Holywood, Co Down, is where it all began for Rory McIlroy. Although he travelled to Miami in Florida to compete in – and score – his first international win in the 9 to 10 age division at the World Championships, it was years before this that McIlroy developed his connection to the game. When he stepped foot on Holywood Golf Club’s parkland at an early age, it was love at first putt, one might say. “When I was four or five, I started playing golf with my dad at Holywood. We’d play in the summer mornings and then stop for some lunch, before I would hassle him again to play more holes with me. I was starting to really get into golf by then, improving every week, and my swing was beginning to show some positive signs. And, of course, there was no pressure on me then to win! “I have a great fondness for Holywood Golf Club, I know every inch of the course. The memories of literally growing up there will never leave me, but unfortunately, I don’t get the time to play there much right now.” McIlroy, a four-times major champion, has many accolades under his belt – including his first win on the European
Professional golfer, Rory McIlroy, tells Clodagh Dooley about his career highlights and golfing hotspots Tour back in 2009 and the PGA Tour in 2010 – but it was only last year when he produced a sensational finish at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, winning for the first time. “Until last year, I had a very hit-andmiss record in the Irish Open, so I don’t think I was emotionally prepared for such a win,” McIlroy says. “The fans at the K Club really made the win feel special for me, but it was probably only a couple of days afterwards that the entire experience began to sink in. “This year’s Irish Open at Portstewart promises to be something special, too. I’m greatly hoping for a repeat performance of last year, and looking forward to welcoming fans from all over Ireland to one of my favourite tournaments of the year.” As tournament host of the Irish Open,
Holywood Golf Club
Rory has the opportunity to show people another side of his life which is close to his heart – the tournament’s official charity, the Rory Foundation. “I set up my foundation in 2013 with the intention of helping local charity initiatives and projects. Knowing the Irish Open was coming to Royal County Down in 2015, we agreed to become the tournament’s official host and help highlight the work of some great local causes. We helped with the project to build Daisy Lodge, a cancer respite centre in the foothills of the Mourne Mountains. “Since becoming host to the Irish Open, we have seen the tournament go from strength to strength, becoming a platform for positive change in local communities. Last year, we raised €970,000 for charities in the Dublin area and we are looking forward to activating the communities around Portstewart, when the Irish Open is played there in July.” For anyone considering travelling to Northern Ireland for the Irish Open from the 6th-9th July – or at any stage, for that matter – Rory says you will not be disappointed. “The north coast really does speak for itself when it comes to welcoming visitors. It has the most amazing scenery and, forgetting the golf for a while, offers so much for families wanting everything from fivestar hotels to camping breaks, beaches, culture, food and heritage. And, of course,
we’re in such a contained area that none of Northern Ireland’s cities or beauty spots are out of reach, even if people only have a few days to spend. I’ve promised myself that on my next visit home, I’m going to tour our great coastline without my golf clubs! “If it’s a golfing holiday you’re after, apart from Holywood of course, there are the world-class links courses of Royal County Down and Royal Portrush to check out. Portstewart, host of this year’s Irish Open, is another great links challenge. Away from the coastal courses, we’ve the excellent parkland clubs of Belvoir Park, Malone and Royal Belfast. Honestly, Northern Ireland is really blessed with great courses for every golfing appetite.” And speaking of golfing appetite, McIlroy says his will not slacken anytime soon. “Naturally, I want a lot more success as a global golfer. I have a lot of career ambitions I’d love to fulfil on the course but I think the important thing is to carefully manage that journey, which will hopefully have many years to run, enjoy the competition and work to ensure I retain my competitive edge. “I’d also like to invest a lot more time and energy in the Rory Foundation as time ticks on. My hope is that the projects we undertake become more ambitious, with greater reach, and result in more great causes benefiting from my Foundation’s support.”
Royal County Down Golf Club
Put a swing into spring! With over 90 golf courses across Northern Ireland, it’s difficult to know where to begin. Here are five courses that are a ‘must visit’ for any golf enthusiast, whether professional or amateur Royal County Down
Royal County Down Golf Club is located in the beautiful Murlough Nature Reserve and set against the magnificent backdrop of the Mountains of Mourne. With narrow ribbons surrounded by purple heather and golden gorse - and the world famous ‘bearded’ bunkers which feature overhanging lips of marram, red fescue and heather - it is often described as one of the most picturesque golf courses in the world.
Lough Erne
Lough Erne Resort is home to two Championship Golf Courses – The Faldo Course, designed by six-time major champion Sir Nick Faldo, and Castle Hume Golf Course. The resort is set on a private 600-acre peninsula between Lower Lough Erne and Castle Hume Lough. Lough Erne resort gained worldwide recognition when it hosted the 2013 G8 summit. The Faldo Championship Course (7,167 yards, Par 72) is an exciting challenge for golfers of all abilities, featuring 18 spectacular golf holes. 14 of the holes have water in play, highlighted by the iconic 10th hole, ‘Emerald Isle’ where the green is surrounded on three sides by water.
Royal Portrush
Founded in 1888, the legendary Royal Portrush Golf Club has two Championship Courses – the renowned Dunluce Course and the smaller, but equally enjoyable, Valley Course. Both command impressive views across the North Atlantic, Scotland and Donegal, but the golf is even more spectacular. Unimaginable rough and testing greens, combined with the unpredictable weather of the roaring North Atlantic make the Dunluce Course an admirable test for even the most seasoned golf aficionado. The greens are scattered among huge sand dunes gently raised above the Antrim Coast providing vistas of sea, cliffs and islands. Is it any wonder that Golf World magazine regularly rates Portrush in the world’s top 20 golf courses?
Portstewart
Situated on Northern Ireland’s magnificent Causeway Coast, is the host of this year’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, Portstewart Golf Club, which presents a difficult but fair game. The Strand Course is indisputably the jewel in Portstewart’s crown for both quality of game and scenery. The course is set in classic links country amid towering sand dunes with views at every turn of the Donegal hills, the Atlantic and the River Bann. For something a little less challenging, the Riverside Course stretches from the clubhouse down to the River Bann. And if you like a little heritage in your game, the original Old Course situated at the eastern end of Portstewart along the rocky shore, has tested players since 1889. Malone Golf Club
Belfast Malone
Malone Golf Club is one of Ireland’s best parkland courses. Founded in 1895, it has been part of the sporting and social landscape in Belfast since its inception. It is located five miles south of Belfast, in the lower Lagan Valley at Ballydrain. The course gently rolls through 330 acres of immaculately maintained parkland along the River Lagan and the facilities include 27 holes of golf, three practice areas, a short game area, putting green and a lawn bowling green.
For further information and to plan your Northern Ireland golfing holiday, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com or Callsave 1850 230 230