“In my years with MasterCard funding the Senior British Opens at Royal Portrush and Royal County Down, my good friend Fr. John Fitzpatrick always told me about Ardglass.
Frankly, I had never heard of it and neither had my golf buddies back in the States, so I always opted to play the more known courses at Portstewart, County Down and Baltray on my yearly visits.
Seven years later I know that my earlier visits to the village of Ardglass for Aldo’s lasagne should have included 18 holes at Ardglass Golf Club.
From my first tee ball which is still hooking towards Helensborough, I truly loved my day at Ardglass. The course is magical and a must play for anybody visiting the area.
I know that when my friends from New Jersey and I make our next voyage, we will have Ardglass on the schedule. Of course I will hit more club for my 2nd (well, 4th) on one and keep below the holes on the fast greens.
I can’t remember what hole was my favourite but it was a longish par three with a tasteful cottage to the right of the green that proved an obstacle for my 2nd shot. Due to my cat-like reflexes I was able to avoid the penalty which would have occurred had my sculled wedge struck me. Perhaps the only experience on par with the golf was the friendly service and quality food in the clubhouse.
I’ve played 93 of Golf Magazines top 100 courses in the world and can’t wait to carry my clubs around Ardglass again soon”.
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Barry Hyde, Chief Marketing Officer USGA, Location: United States