Malone Golf Clubs origins date back to the 19th century when the first course was laid out in Stranmillis and was home to almost 450 members. Soon after, the initial plans to move the club to Haberton Estate were formulated in1914 when a young Dr. Alastair McKenzie was commissioned to develop a new layout. These plans however would have to be put on hold as World War I broke out in Europe.
It wasn’t until 1957 that new land was acquired in Ballydrain, and the established John Harris was engaged to design the new course. Harris, known for designing the Castle Course at Lahinch, Golf Club Bologna and the Eden course at Hong Kong Golf Club, was solely responsible for delivering a timeless parkland classic, featuring sweeping doglegs, mature trees and rolling fairways.
With 27 holes on the estate split into three 9-hole courses, Malone offers a range of front-nine-back-nine options. During our outing we played the Drumbridge on the front, and the Ballydrain coming in.
Teeing up from the White markers, we faced a 6,510 yards on the day. The Blue’s offer a healthier challenge at 6,780 yards, while shorter hitters are accommodated off the Green tees at 6,163 yards. Rest assured, none will disappoint.
Fairways can often appear wide and invite the big tee shot, but the mature trees limit the size of the landing areas and well placed bunkering on fairways adds to the challenge.
The greens are Poa annua so best to play early in the day if possible…at least for this golfer😊This grass type tends to grow unevenly during the day which can affect your line.
My favourite hole was the short par three 15th over the lake with a shallow green and bunker behind to catch the ‘safe’ shot. (almost had a hole in one 😊)
Buggies are available to rent but despite some elevation on the course a pull trolley was more than enough for me.
Our post round was spent in the magnificent clubhouse which sits above the 18th Green and a lake stocked with trout for the local angling club.
The reason for my visit was to play a match representing the Club Management Association of Ireland (CMAI) against our Welsh counterparts. Happily we won the match 4.5 to 3.5.
Many thanks to Malone Golf Club members and in particular Paddy Dean CCM General Manager of Malone and President of the Club Management Association of Ireland.
Planning your next golfing trip and looking for a new location? Contact Niall at Heritage Golf Getaways on +353 87 367 0816 or email niall@heritagegolfgetaways.com
