It’s not every day that we receive an invitation to stay and play at a venue voted Northern Ireland’s Best Golf Hotel in 2022—but what a spectacular place to kick off our WBGD Mini Tour of Ireland. We call it a “mini” tour because, with so many world-class courses and accommodations across the island, six months wouldn’t be enough to cover them all!
Nestled in the scenic countryside just outside Ballymena, Galgorm Resort is a five-star retreat known for its championship golf course, world-class spa, and outstanding hospitality. Just 30 minutes from Belfast International Airport and 45 minutes from Belfast City Centre, it offers easy access to some of Northern Ireland’s finest attractions.
But here’s something that might surprise first-time visitors: the golf course isn’t actually within the hotel grounds!
Where Is the Golf Course?
Set within the historic Galgorm Castle Estate, the golf course is a stunning parkland layout that blends seamlessly with the 17th-century Galgorm Castle, one of the finest examples of Jacobean architecture in Ireland. The estate also features a six-hole short course, a full-sized practice area, and even a replica of St. Andrews’ famous Himalayas putting green.
Galgorm Castle is now firmly established as a DP World Tour venue, having hosted the ISPS Handa World Invitational on multiple occasions, the most recent being in 2023.
The Championship Course
The course is a par-72 layout, with both nines playing to a par of 36. We opted for the white tees at 6,600 yards, though golfers of all skill levels will find suitable options, with tees ranging from 5,505 to 7,275 yards. As always, choosing the right tees will enhance both your performance and enjoyment.
The front nine plays 250 yards shorter than the back nine, and for us, the stretch from the 2nd to the 9th stood out for its variety and strategic challenges. With reachable par-5s, tricky par-4s, and well-designed par-3s, it’s a section that rewards both skill and decision-making.
A Closer Look at the Course
Approach to the 2nd green
The 2nd hole is a short par 4 of 312 yards, It’s a dogleg right with a narrow fairway ending at 240 yards. Precision is key: laying up short of the bunkers sets up the best approach to a well-guarded green with a significant slope from left to right. This hole will test your wedge game early in the round.
The approach to the 4th green
The 4th hole is another short par 4 of 345 yards. It may be short but it’s a tricky hole which has a deep and wide burn in front of the green. The smart play is a hybrid or long iron off the tee, which will leave you a short iron into the green. This is one of these holes where if you can make a par you feel relieved on your walk to the next tee.
Standout Par-3s
The 5th hole
As you stand on the 5th tee, the challenge is to select the right club to reach the centre of the green, which is 197 yards away. It’s a beautiful but demanding par-3 with two front bunkers guarding a wide but shallow green. There is a false front so you have to carry your tee shot all the way or you will be left with an awkward chip onto a sloping green.
Signature Par 3
The 7th Hole is 138 yards and is probably the signature hole on this layout. If the pin is left, it’s a straightforward tee shot. But when it’s on the right-hand shelf, water lurks dangerously short, adding an element of risk. We would suggest aiming over the left edge of the pond even if the pin is on the right. Do that and it’s a straightforward two putt for par.
The Back Nine
After a quick stop at the halfway house for a coffee, we tackled the back nine, which begins and ends with par-5s. However, our favourite holes on this nine were two par 3’s and a par 4. The 12th and 14th are the par 3’s and the 17th a strong par 4.
Hole 12
The 12th hole measures 158 yards. Curiously known as “Arthur’s Seat”, it’s named after the famous Edinburgh landmark, however, we don’t know why. Can anyone enlighten us? This hole demands pinpoint accuracy. The green is large and there’s a three-club difference between the front and back pin positions.
The last par 3
At 177 yards, the 14th hole plays slightly uphill where a burn snakes around the green. Aiming for the centre is the safe play—but those who take on a right-side pin could be flirting with disaster. Play safe, try and make your par and move on.
Strong Finish
The closing stretch of four holes will test your game. The 15th and 16th are strong holes at 384 yards and 417 yards respectively. Make two pars on these holes and you should feel satisfied.
Our 2nd shot to the 17th green
The 17th hole is a stunning downhill dogleg right. You have to hit the fairway or you will struggle to reach the green in regulation. Thankfully, we hit our best drive of the day, cutting the corner and getting a big bounce to the hill. We were left with just a gap wedge into the green—only to miss the birdie putt…..
In Our Opinion
Galgorm Castle is an excellent parkland course, offering firm, fast greens and a variety of holes that demand strategic thinking. The front nine presents more shot-making challenges, rewarding smart club selection off the tee. However, the back nine is more driver-friendly, favouring golfers who love to let it rip.
Thank you to the Director of Golf, Ross Oliver for looking after us.
The Ultimate Stay: Galgorm Resort & Spa
Our room
After a day on the course, the Galgorm Resort provides the perfect retreat. With 125 rooms, including deluxe rooms, junior and signature suites, log cabins, and Shepherd’s Huts, there’s something for everyone. We stayed in a deluxe room with stunning views over the Thermal Spa Village and the River Maine—a truly relaxing setting.
Sitting in one jacuzzi looking at another
Of course, we had to test out the facilities, all in the name of research for you, our discerning reader. The Spa Village consists of 12 outdoor jacuzzis, no we didn’t try them all. There’s also an Indoor sauna and pool area as well as the outdoor heated pool. You can also receive luxury spa treatments, but there are additional costs involved. And the best part? No one blinks an eye if you walk around in a bathrobe and slippers.
Restaurants and Bars
The Bang Bang Chicken
With multiple dining options, there’s no shortage of places to sample the culinary delights of the restaurants. Gillies Grill provides a mix of grill classics and Asian fusion dishes. Our picks? The Salt & Chilli Chicken and the Bang Bang Chicken were both delicious.
The onsite McKendry’s Irish Pub is the perfect post-round venue to dissect your game over a pint of Guinness. You can also sample their traditional pub menu in a casual setting.
The Gin Library
This is a must-visit for gin lovers. There are hundreds of gins from around the world to choose from. We didn’t partake this time. Too many gins to choose from, and not enough time or the wallet to sample all our favourites. Maybe we will visit again if we win the lottery. That would be an experience to savour.
Our Final Thoughts
Whether you’re seeking a world-class golf getaway, a luxurious spa retreat, or a mix of both, Galgorm Resort & Golf Club delivers on every level. The combination of a top-tier golf course, award-winning spa, and outstanding hospitality makes it a must-visit destination in Northern Ireland. We highly recommend adding this resort to your itinerary. Make sure you have time to visit all the Thermal Village has to offer. It was dry and sunny when we were there but as everything is heated, you can enjoy it just as much in the rain.
Thank you to the resort’s Business Development Manager, Leigh Heggarty for the incredible hospitality we received.
At a Glance:
- 18-hole Championship Course (DP World Tour venue)
- 6-hole short course & state-of-the-art practice facilities
- Five-star luxury accommodations
- Unique Thermal Spa Village with indoor & outdoor facilities
- Multiple dining options, from fine dining to casual
- 45 minutes drive from Belfast City Centre
- Visit the Galgorm Resort’s website here
Jim Callaghan CCM is a former Club Manager with experience overseeing several top Scottish 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.
If you want to reach over 400,000 golfers who love to travel, contact Jim at [email protected] or call 0044 (0) 78522 88732.
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