Ballyclare Golf Club

This scenic parkland course boasts beautifully tree-lined fairways and has matured into an absolute gem in the past few years. The tree-lined fairways, shrewd placing of sand traps and calculated use of natural water hazards combine to create a golfing challenge of the highest quality and an experience not to be missed.

The signature hole at Ballyclare is probably "Orpinsmill", the tough par four third hole, with out of bounds on the left and a lake on the right. You are left with a mid iron into a green well protected by trees on one side and the River Islekelly on the other. Indeed, the river comes into play on numerous occasions and you must be wary of its presence at all times, especially on the tricky short 11th.

The course is routinely well maintained, with some greens built to USGA specifications. Accuracy is the name of the game if you are to card a decent score.