Nestled in the rolling hills overlooking Belfast Lough in Northern Ireland, Holywood Golf Club offers far more than a scenic round of golf — it’s a walk through golfing history. Known across the world as the place where Rory McIlroy first learned the game, Holywood is a course steeped in legacy, community, and challenge. For any golfer, especially fans of Rory, teeing it up here is something special — a rare chance to experience the humble roots of one of the modern game’s greatest champions.
The entrance hallway
From the moment you arrive at Holywood, there’s a tangible buzz about the place. The modern clubhouse stands proudly at the top of the property, offering panoramic views of Belfast Lough and beyond. Inside, there’s a dedicated section to Rory — his trophies, signed memorabilia, and photographs tracing his journey from a talented young boy to a five-time major champion and Grand Slam winner. It’s not just a shrine; it’s a celebration of local pride and global achievement.
Is there room for a Masters replica trophy?
But this isn’t a museum — it’s a living, breathing golf club with members, juniors, and visitors all sharing the same fairways. And those fairways offer a thoroughly enjoyable, if at times testing, round of golf.
The Course: Quirky, Challenging, and Fun
Holywood Golf Club is a par-70 parkland course measuring just over 6,000 yards. Don’t let the modest length fool you. With tight landing areas, sloping greens, and elevation changes across the property, Holywood demands accuracy, imagination, and smart course management.
There are four sets of tees to choose from, ranging from 4762 yards to 6015 yards. We chose to play from the back tees and it was the perfect challenge for us. We have chosen to feature the 4th, 6th and 7th holes on the front nine and the 10th, 14th and 15th holes on the back nine.
The course opens with three short par 4’s, the longest being only 338 yards. However, don’t expect to start with a birdie blitz. The fairways slope away from you on the first and third holes and good tee shots will often end up in the rough. The second shots are tricky as the greens are small and well protected. If you can start with three pars, you should be happy.
The First Par 3
The 4th hole
At 193 yards, the first par 3 is also the longest par 3 on the course. It plays downhill and from the elevated tee, wind is a factor in club selection. You must avoid the sand or going long if you want to make par. We managed to hit the green with a well struck 6 iron. Our birdie putt didn’t drop but we managed to knock in a 3 footer for our par.
A Signature Moment: The 6th Hole
The short 6th hole
The 6th hole at Holywood is one of its most photographed — and one of its most fun. A short, downhill par 3 with stunning views across Belfast Lough, it’s only about 120 yards from the back tees, but requires precision. The green is well protected and club selection can be tricky depending on the wind, which often swirls across the valley. It’s easy to see how a young Rory would have honed his wedge game here.
We managed to hit the green with a gap wedge which just cleared the front bunker. This left us with just over 10 feet for a birdie which we managed to convert. You can see a video of that birdie here.
From the Shortest to the Longest Hole
Your approach to the 7th green
The 7th hole is the longest hole on the course. At 482 yards, the hole moves left to right and slightly downhill. A decent drive left us 210 yards to the green. We hit 5 wood and came up short and just right of the green, avoiding the burn which cuts across the fairway and snakes down the right side of the hole. Our chip ran past the hole and we didn’t make the birdie putt. A missed opportunity on this hole.
The Back Nine
The 10th hole
At 167 yards and playing uphill, the opening hole of the back nine is no pushover. You can’t see the green so you have to hit a club that’s going to carry the distance. Do not go left as there is no chance of making a par from there. We went with 5 iron and ended up at the back of the green. We managed to two putt for a par. The 10th is the only par 3 on the back nine. The last eight holes are all par 4’s.
The 12th hole is the hardest hole on the course, stroke index 1. It’s 433 yards and the second shot is uphill and you can’t see the green. We don’t have photos of the hole, but we do have a video which you can watch here.
The approach to the 14th green
The 14th is a tight, tricky par 4. It’s not long at 383 yards but you must find the fairway off the tee. Oh and the tee shot is blind. You can see a sliver of fairway as you tee off over the bushes and trees. The hole shapes left to right and you must avoid the fairway bunker to be able to go for the green in regulation. Our tee shot found the fairway and left us with an 8 iron to the green. We found the putting surface and made par.
Birdie Hole
The 15th green
The tee shot on the 15th is a blind one. The hole normally measures 356 yards but we were off a forward tee as the back tee was closed. The ground runs away from you once you are over the hill. We hit 5 iron off the tee as the fairway slopes left to right and you must keep it on the short stuff as the rough was lush. Thankfully, it held the right side of the fairway. We hit a gap wedge in to 12 feet and sank the putt for a birdie.
Post Round – In The Clubhouse
On the 18th green
There is a large open plan lounge in the clubhouse with an outside deck area for the good weather. It’s an ideal place to sit with a Guinness and look out over the 18th green and beyond to Belfast Lough.
Rory’s influence is ever present at Holywood. From the memorabilia area to the fact that the club has a gym and fitness centre as well as indoor simulators. This club is extremely proud that Rory learned to play golf here and Rory in turn, is proud of his boyhood club and continues to support it. It’s a match made in heaven.
In Our Opinion
Holywood is a surprising golf course. It’s on a compact piece of land on the hillside overlooking to port of Belfast. There are no fewer than 10 par 4’s under 400 yards and yet it’s still a challenge due to the shape of the holes and slopes involved. You can imagine a young Rory making plenty of birdies on this course, but also losing a few balls too. Given the length Rory hits the ball now, Holywood is not a course for a big hitter. You have to play strategically and keep the ball on the fairways to score here.
One of Holywood’s most endearing qualities is its friendly atmosphere. Despite its association with one of golf’s biggest stars, the club remains grounded. Staff, members, and fellow players are welcoming, and the vibe is casual, inclusive, and unpretentious. As it’s just a short drive to Belfast Airport and the city centre, it’s in an ideal location to attract visiting golfers and of course, Rory fans.
Final Thoughts and Thank You’s
Playing Holywood Golf Club is more than a round of golf — it’s an experience wrapped in heritage, beauty, and a sense of place. The course is fun, fair, and filled with character. Whether you’re chasing a score, walking in the footsteps of a golfing legend, or simply soaking up the Northern Irish hospitality, Holywood delivers.
It’s not just Rory’s home club — for many who visit, it becomes a place they want to return to. And who knows? Maybe, like Rory, you’ll find a little magic in those hills overlooking Belfast Lough.
Thank you to Holywood Golf Club’s General Manager, Tom Widley for hosting us.
At a Glance
- 18 hole parkland course
- Rory McIlroy learned to play golf here
- Special Rory memorabilia area
- Gym and golf simulators onsite
- Well stocked proshop with friendly staff
- Close to Belfast Airport and city centre
- Visit the Holywood Golf Club website here
Jim Callaghan CCM is a former Club Manager with experience overseeing several top Scottish Golf Clubs.
Now, as European Editor of Golf Operator Magazine and World’s Best Golf Destinations, he shares insights into club operations and his golfing adventures across Europe.
Jim is also an Ambassador for premium clothing brand Fenix Xcell Clothing and also for the Spanish local DMC, Costa Verde Golf.
If your club/resort or brand wants to reach over 400,000 golfers, contact Jim at [email protected] or call 0044 (0) 78522
Featured Post
0
