Down Royal Park

Antrim, Lisburn

Golf Course

Hole #3 – The Chair – 163 yard – Par 3

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The first of four tricky Par 3’s here at Down Royal. This hole has undergone significant changes over the past couple of years with the construction of a new tee box, re-designing of protective bunkers and removal of out of bounds area through the green to incorporate a heavy rough area in its place.Depending on wind direction the standard shot would be played with a short/mid-iron to a green that is one of the firmest on the golf course. With three bunkers surrounding the green and out of bounds on the right-hand side, this hole has its own fair share of danger given the relatively short yardage. Ideally, a high cut would be the desired shape of shot to play into the green to get the ball to land soft to give you the best chance of a birdie or better! (Fingers crossed) … [Read more...] about Hole #3 – The Chair – 163 yard – Par 3

Hole #10 – Ballyhack – 455 yard – Par 5

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Having made the turn, the first hole to greet you will be the shortest Par 5 on the golf course. Along the left-hand side, the hole is protected by out of bounds and heavy rough. On the right edge of the fairway there is a bunker and thick rough which emphasizes the importance of finding the fairway off the tee.Ideally, golfers should use the fairway bunker as a target off the tee favoring the left edge as it greatly reduces the chance of hitting it out of bounds. For big hitters, by carrying the fairway bunker and landing at the top of the slope the green is then brought into range for the second shot depending on wind direction/strength.Most golfers will play this as a three shot Par 5 so a drive and fairway wood or long iron will leave a good angle for the approach shot at the green. The green is protected by a mound short left and a hidden bunker on the right just off the apron with out of bounds 10 yards left of the green.For the approach shot, the ideal line would be to start the ball at the chimney of the white cottage beyond the green to take caution against the out of bounds. As this green can be quite firm, golfers should try to land the ball at the front edge of the green and allow the ball to release. Should all go to plan, definite birdie opportunity. … [Read more...] about Hole #10 – Ballyhack – 455 yard – Par 5

Hole #15 – Elbow – 489 yard – Par 5

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Next up is a dogleg Par 5 and the second longest hole on the golf course. Turning to the right, this hole gives players a few options off the tee. With out of bounds along the right-hand side, players can choose to lay-up to the corner and widest part of the fairway with a long iron/fairway wood or to take on the corner and drastically reduce the distance of the second shot. Big hitters can get on this green in two with a helping wind and favorable ground conditions.Players should be wary when playing their second shot as along the left-hand side is an area of newly introduced heavy rough which, if found, will test any golfer. For most golfers, this will be a three shot Par 5 with the aim of the second shot to place the ball between 100-150 yard range to setup a relatively straight forward approach. The green on this hole is protected by a splash bunker short left, large bank on the right and out of bounds long of the hole. Distance control is key and players should aim to land the ball 2-3 yards before the green to allow for the ball running out. Good birdie opportunity but don’t try to force it. … [Read more...] about Hole #15 – Elbow – 489 yard – Par 5

Hole #16 – Beechers – 341 yard – Par 4

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The first on three tricky Par 4’s to finish the round. Bordered with out of bounds along the right-hand side, thick rough down the left and a fairway bunker on the right this hole will punish any errant tee shots. It is best to aim your tee shot at the left half of the fairway with driver or 3-wood the most popular options off the tee.The approach shot can be quite difficult when ground conditions are firm as landing the ball on the green can result in the ball kicking on and running to the back edge or through the green. There is a large bank on the right-hand side with a drop down so a miss right will need a bit of magic to get up and down. Likewise, missing the green to the left will result in chipping/pitching onto a green that runs away from you so touch and feel are paramount. … [Read more...] about Hole #16 – Beechers – 341 yard – Par 4