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Tag: Northern Ireland

The Magic of Links Golf in Donegal & Northern Ireland

Golfshake Travel Editor Andy Waple flew into little-known Derry Airport in Ireland to discover fantastic links golf all around, where he played Royal Portrush, Ballyliffin Old Links and the relatively new Tom Doak masterpiece, St Patrick’s Links at Rosapenna. read more ...


The Best UK Golf Courses To Play On a Budget

There has been much talk lately about how green fee costs are rising, placing greater pressure on nomadic golfers and those who like to travel around to play different courses during the season. However, despite the extortionate pricing at the most famous venues, there is still fabulous value for money available throughout the United Kingdom. read more ...


12 Reasons to Play Golf in Ireland

Fancy a trip overseas without having to travel too far? Ireland is the perfect choice, with more than 400 courses ranging from the world’s greatest links to friendly member clubs where the green fee is little more than a round of Guinness. When you visit the Republic of Ireland you can be rest assured you will find no warmer welcome. read more ...


Playing Golf on Northern Ireland's Causeway Coast

Northern Ireland is a fantastic place to visit. The golf is first class, there’s wonderful scenery, a remarkable history and it’s blessed with a legendary warm hearted welcome. There are some great inland courses, yet many golfers flock to the Causeway Coast to enjoy some brilliant links. Golfshake's Andy Waple describes the experience offered here. read more ...


5 Alternative Destinations For a UK Golf Break

The phrase ‘hidden gem’ has become severely over-used when talking about some of the UK’s best courses, outside of those usually travelled to on a golfing getaway. Instead, let us suggest to you five of our favourite alternative destinations for a golf break, taking in some of the country’s highest ranking courses, as well as some that are definitely more off the beaten track. read more ...


Lough Erne Resort to Host PGA EuroPro Tour Championship

After 14 tournaments of highly competitive golf, members of the PGA EuroPro Tour will be heading to Northern Ireland to contest the Tour Championship at the beautiful Lough Erne Resort. read more ...


The Best 36 Hole Golf Venues You Can Play

When finishing an enjoyable round on a great design, sometimes you just want to walk back to the first tee and start again. But what if the venue gave you the chance to play another incredible layout just yards away. That can be even more enriching. If you want to find two great courses to play at the one place - arguably the complete golf experience - then you should consider starting with these. read more ...


Bargain Golf Courses You Must Play This Winter

Sometimes you need a touch of inspiration to play golf during winter - and visiting new courses is a great way to find that. Making the prospect of experiencing somewhere different even more appealing, at this time of year, reduced green fees make that extra enticing. read more ...


The Golf Courses You SHOULD Play This Winter

For some, winter golf is a grind that is best avoided, but for many, it can be a hugely rewarding time of year to make the most of daylight and enjoy the benefits that the game offers. That is especially true if you play somewhere memorable, which this period of the year makes possible through reduced green fees and attractive visitor packages. Make this a winter golf season to remember and experience one of these magnificent courses. read more ...


More Bargain Golf Courses to Play This Autumn

Autumn is a great time of the year to experience different courses as conditions generally remain good, the weather can be reasonable, and it's the period of the season when many venues offer reduced green fee prices. However, if you want great value for money, we can reveal More Bargain Golf Courses to Play This Autumn. read more ...


Bargain Golf Courses to Play This Autumn

With many green fees reduced at this time of year, autumn can be an ideal period to experience different courses, especially when the weather remains pleasant. We have been analysing the Golfshake Course Section, which has allowed us to identify venues that rate highly for the months of September, October and November, showcasing those courses that can be played for under £50, representing excellent value for money. read more ...


The Golf Courses You Must Play This Autumn

For golfers who want an extended calendar of regular play, this can be a great time of year, with better value green fees and some fine bouts of weather to be enjoyed. But where should you visit for a memorable round? We have studied the hundreds of thousands of reviews submitted by the Golfshake Community to identify venues that have rated highest, picking out the courses that golfers have most acclaimed for autumn. read more ...


20 Great Value Golf Courses to Play in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is home to an incredible range of golf courses, several of which are considered among the finest on the planet. However, what makes this small corner of the world so appealing for golfers is that there is something for everyone, reflecting any budget without dropping in quality. read more ...


Golf is Back - But What Does That Mean

Golfers throughout the UK are looking forward to the new season, which for most us will mean a first round in a considerable time. The journey towards normality will be a slow and (hopefully) progressive road, but each of the home nations are doing things slightly differently. As things stand, we look at the current position in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, outlining the steps that are in place to unlock the ancient game and reconnect golfers with their beloved regular activity. read more ...


When is Golf Coming Back - How Things Stand

Courses and ranges remain closed throughout most of the UK, but we take a look at where things stand at the moment, what the governing bodies are doing, and when announcements could be made about the possible resumption of everyday life (and golf) as we once knew it. read more ...


An Alternative Look At MUST Play Venues

In this digital age, there may no longer be any true hidden gems in golf, but Golfshake's Derek Clements has identified courses that really ought to be on your wish list beyond the biggest, most legendary names - courses that will leave you wanting to go back for more. read more ...


Must Play Bucket List Golf Courses to Experience in 2021

Every golfer has that list of courses that they would LOVE to play the most. Whether it be a legendary championship venue, a scenic paradise abroad, or somewhere under the radar with a personal connection, golfers are dreamers by nature, and fortunately in this great game, many wishes can become a reality. But what should be on your proverbial bucket list for this year and beyond? We surveyed regular golfers to identify some majestic layouts to experience. read more ...


What New Lockdowns Mean For Your Golf

It was inevitable that further coronavirus restrictions would be established at the beginning of the New Year, many of them once again impacting the golf industry. Golf courses are presently closed across England, Wales and the Island of Ireland, but they do remain open in Scotland. We take a look at where things stand in each corner of the British Isles. read more ...


Who Can Play Golf in the UK And Where

Golfers in England are set to return to their beloved golf courses. However, there are some differences to note between regions under the new tier system, with golfers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland also facing contrasting restrictions as we enter the height of winter. Who can play golf and where? We take a closer look at how each of the nations stand. read more ...


The Golf Courses You SHOULD Have Played in 2020

This has been a year for experiencing new courses, but what highlights did you miss during the summer? Looking at venues that rated highly on Golfshake in 2020, discover the 25 layouts that you should have played this season. read more ...


50 of the Best Golf Courses to Play in Autumn

The nights are drawing in and winter is within reach, but thankfully we have that glorious transition season of autumn to enjoy first. Golf courses remain in magnificent shape and are just waiting to be experienced. Analysing over 15,000 reviews, we have discovered which venues you should visit at this time of year. read more ...


5 Must Play Bucket List Golf Courses in the UK

During the shutdown period, many of us spent a reflective time imagining the future, considering the places that we most want to experience once a sense of normality returns. We asked Golfshake Ambassadors to identify their Top 5 Bucket List Golf Courses in the UK, looking for the courses that they haven't yet played, but sincerely hope to do so. read more ...


Top Stay & Play Venues on Golfshake

Golfshake recently unveiled 100 Must Play Golf Courses in 2020, but which of these acclaimed venues can you also stay at? We have searched through our travel partner Golfbreaks.com to identify those Highly Recommended courses that have notable hotel options attached. read more ...


20 of the Most Popular Courses to Play in 2020

When you are looking for new courses to play, you may want to hear what other golfers had to say about the venue. We wanted to highlight the most popular courses on Golfshake, those that drew more reviews than any other in 2019, charting a path for you to follow this season. read more ...


20 of the Best Courses for Facilities in 2020

Golf clubs pride themselves on more than just the quality of their course, but also the facilities that members and visitors can enjoy at the venue. To help you discover standouts across the UK, we saw which destinations the Golfshake Community rated highly. read more ...


20 of the Best Value for Money Courses in 2020

Everyone loves a bargain and golfers are no exception. Finding great value isn't necessarily about the courses that are the least expensive, but also those that deliver a memorable experience for the cost. Rated by the Golfshake Community, we reveal 20 of the Best Value for Money Courses. read more ...


20 of the Best Courses for Pace of Play in 2020

The majority of golfers want to get round in a comfortable, consistent pace, rather than finding themselves stuck waiting for lengthy periods on tees. But where should you go to ensure that experience? We revealed which courses the Golfshake Community have reviewed most positively for their Pace of Play. read more ...


Female Golf Participation Increases in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland has been leading the way by implementing the R&A's Women in Golf Charter, launching a series of events and initiatives that have seen female participation in the country increase at a faster rate than before. read more ...


20 Courses to Play in 2020 in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland has always been an acclaimed destination for golfers, but that spotlight is only greater following Royal Portrush's successful hosting of the 2019 Open Championship. Here, we bring together 20 Courses to Play in 2020 in Northern Ireland, part of a continuing series to kick off the new decade to transport you to Highly Recommended venues. read more ...


20 of the Best Course Layouts to Play in 2020

When searching for new courses to play, you want to hear what your fellow golfers have to say. Looking specifically at the challenge and architectural quality of courses, here are 20 of the Best Course Layouts to Play in 2020, as rated by the Golfshake Community. read more ...


The 50 Best Golf Courses to Play in Winter

Playing golf in winter can be a chore if the weather is bad and underfoot conditions sodden, but when you're lucky enough to be playing at the right place on a fine, crisp day, there can be much to savour throughout this time of year. Here are the 50 Best Golf Courses to Play in Winter! read more ...


100 Must Play Golf Courses in 2020

Get ready for the new decade! Taken from the past three years, we have looked at venues rated highly for their Course Layout, Course Condition, Value for Money and Club Facilities to identify 100 Must Play Golf Courses for 2020 and beyond. read more ...


The 50 Best Reviewed Golf Courses in 2019

What is the best venue that you visited this year? Thousands of golfers reviewed courses they played on Golfshake in 2019. We have picked out the most consistently highly regarded from the past season, positively rated across a wide range of categories. read more ...


Most Popularly Reviewed Golf Courses in 2019

Online reviews have become increasingly relevant in the golf industry. We have studied ratings left on Golfshake this year to identify the most popular venues, which received more ratings from golfers than any other this past season. read more ...


Royal Portrush Staged Passionate Open for the Ages

It was an event for the ages. Huge and passionate crowds at Royal Portrush roared Shane Lowry to success and the Claret Jug. Golfshake's Derek Clements reflects on this year's Open, the highs and lows, making the argument that the championship needs to return soon. read more ...


How the World's Finest Rated at Royal Portrush

When a major comes round, the focus is placed on those players at the top of the world rankings. But how did they perform at Royal Portrush? Golfshake's Derek Clements goes down the top ten and gives those golfers a rating for the week. read more ...


Why Rory McIlroy’s Open Disappointment Will Only Make Him Stronger

Rory McIlroy turned up at Royal Portrush with the highest of hopes, but it was a disastrous Thursday, costing him a place at the weekend despite a stunning Friday charge. However, Golfshake writer Will Trinkwon believes this disappointment will only drive the Northern Irishman on to more success in future. read more ...


Shane Lowry Produces Priceless Masterpiece to Win The Open

Shane Lowry admitted that he would go to bed dreaming of getting his hands on the Claret Jug. Now that dream has come true. The fans were magnificent all week long and they got precisely what they wanted - an Irish winner. Golfshake's Derek Clements reflects on the remarkable scenes at Royal Portrush. read more ...


6 Beards to Look Out for During Open Sunday

It's been a very special Open return to Royal Portrush, but one thing that has struck writer Will Trinkwon are the number of bears in contention. Here is Will's light hearted look ahead to the final round of this year's championship. read more ...


Shane Lowry Shoots Incredible 63 to Control Open Championship

Three years after taking a four-shot lead into the final round of the US Open, Ireland’s Shane Lowry has the same advantage heading into the last day of the 148th Open after a sensational performance at Royal Portrush. read more ...


Shane Lowry Carries Irish Hopes at Royal Portrush

Shane Lowry dropped a shot at the final hole and missed his chance of leading The Open Championship at Royal Portrush on his own. Instead, his second 67 leaves him on eight under par, tied with American JB Holmes. Golfshake's Derek Clements reflects on an emotional Friday. read more ...


Rory's Portrush Dream Turns Into Open Nightmare

Rory McIlroy's Open dream turned into a nightmare of the worst possible kind as he returned to the magnificent Dunluce links at Royal Portrush. Golfshake's Derrek Clements reflects on a dramatic Thursday at the 148th Championship. read more ...


David Duval Deserves Better Than Being a Punchline

Former champion David Duval made headlines on Thursday at Royal Portrush by shooting 91 in The Open, including a 14 on one hole. Golfshake's Kieran Clark reflects on the highs and lows of Duval's career, remembering him at his peak, stating that the former number one deserves more sympathy than ridicule. read more ...


6 Reasons Why The 2019 Open Will Be One For The Ages

The 148th Open Championship at Royal Portrush has begun. Returning to a spectacular venue with a variety of stories coming into the week, Golfshake writer Will Trinkwon believes that year's championship will be a classic. read more ...


How to Pick a Winner at The Open Championship

With 10 hours of tee times bracing the often variable weather conditions of these islands, the Open Championship asks questions of the game's best players that they don't otherwise face. But there are trends to follow when it comes to identifying a potential winner this week. read more ...


2019 The Open Preview Podcast

Looking ahead to the 148th Open Championship at Royal Portrush, Golfshake's Kieran Clark was joined by Ryan Rastall, PGA Pro at Howley Hall Golf Club in Leeds, to preview the game's original major.  read more ...


The Open 2019 Preview, Picks & Analysis

For the first time in 68 years The Open Championship returns to Northern Ireland with the magnificent Royal Portrush hosting the world’s oldest major. But who is going to etch their name onto the Claret Jug? Golfshake's Derek Clements looks ahead to the 148th Open. read more ...


Five Outsiders to Follow at The Open

Lifting the Claret Jug is to become part of history. While much attention will be placed upon the favourites at the 148th Open Championship at Royal Portrush, Golfshake's Derek Clements has picked out a handful of players who spring a surprise. read more ...


Six Players to Watch at The Open

156 players have qualified for the 148th Open Championship at Royal Portrush. But which of them will add their name to the storied history of this event? Golfshake's Derek Clements picks out six key golfers to watch in Northern Ireland. read more ...


How to Keep Track of The Open on TV and Radio

The Open Championship is golf's original major, but that doesn't mean that time has stood still when it comes to showcasing it. Here are the key times and places to follow for the live coverage. read more ...


The Open by Numbers

First played at Prestwick in 1860, when eight players gathered to crown the new Champion Golfer following the death of St Andrews professional Allan Robertson, the Open Championship has been synonymous with the history and continuing story of the game. As we celebrate the 148th edition, Golfshake's Derek Clements picks out key numbers that set the scene. read more ...


Royal Portrush Hole by Hole Guide

The Open Championship returns to Royal Portrush in 2019, nearly 70 years after Max Faulkner lifted the Claret Jug in 1951. This revered layout ranks among the best rated in the world and will provide an engrossing challenge to the game's best players. Here is your guide to the Dunluce Course. read more ...


A Round to Remember for Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy has achieved many incredible things in golf, but the round that sticks in his head as the most memorable was the astonishing 61 he shot at Royal Portrush as a 16-year-old in 2005. Golfshake's Derek Clements gathers quotes and footage to complete a picture of that remarkable display. read more ...


Irish Eyes Certain to be Smiling at Royal Portrush

Golfshake's Derek Clements looks ahead to the long awaited return of The Open to Northern Ireland and Royal Portrush, as the game's oldest major makes its away across the Irish Sea for just the second time, delving into the history of the 1951 Championship. read more ...


Best Regional Open Qualifying Venues on Golfshake

Open Regional Qualifying takes place over 13 venues across the British Isles. Playing in Regional Qualifying is a potential opportunity of a lifetime, but it's also the chance to play on some revered courses. We have taken a closer look at each of the regional venues used in 2019, including the unique Golfshake reviews. read more ...


Portrush Boy Graeme McDowell Qualifies for The Open

Dreams do come true for Graeme McDowell, whose eighth-place finish in the Canadian Open was enough to secure a place in July's Open Championship at his hometown course of Royal Portrush. Golfshake's Kieran Clark reflects on the continuing resurgence of the Northern Irishman. read more ...


Portrush Open to Showcase Best of Northern Ireland

This summer, Royal Portrush is poised to host golf's oldest and greatest championship, an event that will showcase the best of Northern Ireland as a tourist destination. read more ...


20 of the Best Summer Twilight Rates of 2019

Play the greatest courses for less. Here are many of the best courses in the UK & Ireland - frequently ranked within the Top 100 in the British Isles - that have twilight rates on offer to visitors in 2019.  read more ...


Slumbers Raises Brexit Concerns for Portrush Open

This year's Open Championship is hotly anticipated due to the return of Royal Portrush as a venue, but the preparations for the event may prove complicated due to the impact Brexit, concerns raised by R&A Chief Executive Martin Slumbers.  read more ...


Countdown to the 148th Open at Royal Portrush

This year's Open Championship marks a historic return to Royal Portrush and Northern Ireland. Marking the countdown, a spectacular and inspiring film has been released, showcasing the best of what can be experienced in the nation. read more ...


Golfshake Podcast #36: Golf in Northern Ireland, Causeway Tour, Royal Portrush

Kieran Clark was joined by Golfshake Ambassador Andrew Picken, who recently experienced the Causeway Coast Tour, which included the opportunity to play Royal Portrush, the spectacular Portstewart and the visually striking Castlerock Golf Club. read more ...


Golfshake Rising Stars in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland continues to delight golfers with an array of golf courses to play.  We have delved into course reviews on Golfshake to identify venues that have increased significantly in popularity with reviewers, noting a rise in average rating in 2018 compared with 2016. read more ...


40 of the Best UK Courses to Play in 2019

We bring together 40 of the Best UK Feature Reviews on Golfshake, all published within the last year, packed with information and opinions, which should be helpful when it comes to identifying worthwhile places to visit across the United Kingdom in 2019. read more ...


Royal Portrush Feature Review

Golfshake Ambassador Andrew Picken recently experienced the Causeway Tour in Northern Ireland, discovering many of the regional links that will be showcased when the Open Championship returns to Royal Portrush in 2019. Here is Andy's review of the revered and historic venue. read more ...


Causeway Coast Trip Report

Golfshake Ambassador Andrew Picken recently experienced the Causeway Tour in Northern Ireland, discovering many of the regional links that will be showcased when the Open Championship returns to Royal Portrush in 2019. Here is Andy’s overall review and assessment of the trip. read more ...


Portstewart Golf Club Feature Review

Golfshake Ambassador Andrew Picken recently experienced the Causeway Tour in Northern Ireland, discovering many of the regional links that will be showcased when the Open Championship returns to Royal Portrush in 2019. Here is Andy's review of Portstewart Golf Club, host of the Irish Open in 2017. read more ...


Castlerock Golf Club Feature Review

Golfshake Ambassador Andrew Picken recently experienced the Causeway Tour in Northern Ireland, discovering many of the regional links that will be showcased when the Open Championship returns to Royal Portrush in 2019. Here is Andy's review of the striking Castlerock Golf Club. read more ...


Stay & Play in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is a tremendous destination, delivering a rare combination of hustle-bustle, great nightlife, fantastic food and drink, hospitality and stunning countryside - and a perfect place for a golf break. read more ...


20 Must Play Golf Courses in Northern Ireland

The Open Championship makes a welcome return to Northern Ireland in 2019, showcasing an incredible region for golf. We have delved into the Golfshake Course Section to discover some of the most highly rated clubs and venues in the area. read more ...


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