A hidden gem of a course. (Bright Castle Golf Club)

Member Name: giksy21

Product:	Bright Castle Golf Club
Date:	05/08/09 (29 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great prices, challenging, beautiful scenery.

Disadvantages: The Rabbits can get too close!

When you think of golf, in Northern Ireland, it is hard to think past the Royal County Down. Obviously, it is considered to be one of the finest courses in the world, and it has seen some famous players in its time. But, there are so many good golf courses in Northern Ireland, some of which are only known by local people. Some of these courses offer great, challenging golf at a fraction of the £165 green fee, that you would have to spend on RCD.

I come from Newcastle, and the Royal County is on my doorstep. However, I have never played it. Both my lack of confidense in my general play, and the price tag involved put me off. I learned the game, and regularly play at Bright Castle golf club.

The course itself is situated on the Coniamstown Road, about four miles south of Downpatrick. For those of you who have never been over here, Downpatrick is the resting place of St Patrick, and is situated about 40 mins drive south of the capital, Belfast. The course is out on its own, but it is quite well signposted.

There is ample car parking at the clubhouse, and even when the course is packed, I have never seen it too full. The clubhouse is modern looking, and is good for food, and other refreshments. Attached to this is the pro-shop. It has a small assortment of golfing equipment for sale, as well as snacks and drinks for your round. You purchase your card here, and the prices are very reasonable. Around £12 on a weekday, and £15 at the weekend. There are savings to be had for the late starter, my favourite being after 4 on a friday, it is £8.50 for eighteen holes.

The course is well looked after, and I have never seen it in bad condition. It is a mature parkland course, which looks as though it may be very forgiving. This is, however far from the truth. The course looks harmless, with its tree-lined fairways, and with its forgiving rough. However, the course is very challanging. Cleverly placed traps, and well established groups of trees throughout, mis-hit your drive at your peril.

The course holds some magnificent views. My personal favourite would be the view from the elevated tee-box on the third hole. From here, you can see panoramic views of the mournes, and a spectacular view of Dundrum bay. The course is very picturesque, with great scenery, and the constant attention of the many rabbits and hares you will see on your way round. Many of these come right up to you, as they are so trusting of the golfers.

The course is very long, and until recently it used to be home to the only par six in Europe. The hole was a huge 735 yards, but it had to be cut back as par sixes are not recognised for handicap rules. It is now only a 600 yard par five! It is one of five par fives, three par three's, and ten par four's. The course measures 6105 yards on society tees, but it walks about twelve Km if you play like me.

The course is playable by players of all abilities. You will be shown a warm welcome, and there is all the facilities of a much more reputable course. The course construction is great, with many natural features used to trap the errant drive, as well as the man made traps. The par three's, are gaurded by ponds, and pot hole bunkers, that can easily ruin your day!

Societies are welcomed, and there is enough of a challenge for the seasoned performer to enjoy. On a bright sunny day, the course is second to none, in the locality. good excercise, great craic! Not quite where the mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea, but close enough for you to get what is meant when they say that the Mourne mountains are amongst the most spectacular sights in Europe.

Reccomended. G

Summary: A great course, you might not have heard of. Well worth a look!