Overview
Cushendall Golf Club is a Golf, Social & Community club perched at the foot of Glenballyeamon in the celebrated Glens of Antrim. Founded in 1937 and affiliated to the Golfing Union of Ireland in 1938, the club offers a picturesque nine‑hole layout where the River Dall snakes through the course, creating out‑of‑bounds water on seven of the nine holes before spilling into the legendary Sea of Moyle. The clubhouse sits on Cushendall beach, offering sweeping views across the Sea of Moyle to the Mull of Kintyre on the Scottish coast, just over 20 miles away.
History
The club’s origins trace back to the late 1930s, a period when the Antrim coastline was being transformed into a network of community‑driven sporting venues. Its crest – four swans – is drawn from the Irish legend of the Children of Lir, who were turned into swans for four hundred years on the turbulent waters of the Sea of Moyle. Over the decades, Cushendall has remained a family‑run institution, retaining its original charm while gradually adding modern amenities such as a licensed bar, restaurant and a well‑equipped pro shop.
Course Details
- Designer: Dan Delargy
- Layout: 9‑hole parkland course (mix of parkland and light links character)
- Total length: 4,832 yards (4,379 m blue tees, 4,171 m green tees, 4,113 m red tees)
- Par: 66
- Standard Scratch Score (SSS): 63 (blue), 62 (green), 67 (red)
- Key features: Seven of the nine holes have the River Dall as an out‑of‑bounds water hazard; tight fairways and strategically placed bunkers demand accurate tee shots.
- Notable holes:
- Trostan (hole 1) – a demanding opening par‑4 with a river crossing.
- Moyle (hole 7) – a short par‑3 that tests precision over water.
- Garron (hole 9) – the finishing hole offers a panoramic sea view and a challenging approach.
- Practice facilities: Putting green and short‑game area.
- Course character: Easy walking layout with gentle undulations, making it suitable for families and casual golfers.
Membership & Community
Cushendall Golf Club is one of the most popular nine‑hole clubs in the region, boasting a membership of roughly 900 players. The club is active in inter‑club competitions and has a strong junior programme – recent highlights include winning the Ulster Regional Final of the Irish Junior Cup. Notable achievements:
- Runners‑up in the All‑Ireland Pierce Purcel Shield final (2025).
- Regular representation in the Irish Senior Cup and Irish Junior Cup.
- Recipient of the National Volunteer Award 2026 for community contribution.
Scenic Highlights
The course is set on a narrow coastal strip between the River Dall and the Sea of Moyle. On clear days the view stretches to Scotland’s Mull of Kintyre, offering a dramatic backdrop for every round. The blend of sea breezes, river water hazards and the looming Garron Point mountain creates a uniquely varied golfing experience.
Events & Tournaments
Cushendall Golf Club hosts a lively calendar of competitions and community events:
- The Glenaan Cup – an 18‑hole stroke‑play competition held in late May.
- Lady President’s Day – a mixed foursomes event in June.
- Junior Fun Scramble and Kids Tri‑Golf – family‑friendly events throughout the summer.
- Regular society matches, inter‑club fixtures and charity fundraisers are listed on the club’s online diary.
Practical Information
Booking & Green Fees
Visitors can book tee times online via the club’s visitor portal: Book a Tee Time. Green‑fee rates (subject to change) are:
| Day | Green Fee (£) |
|---|---|
| Peak Weekday | 15 |
| Peak Weekend | 20 |
Tip: The club’s membership is high, so pre‑booking, especially for weekends in summer, is advisable.
Opening Hours
- Clubhouse: 09:00‑23:30 (all year)
- Course: Open during daylight hours; seasonal daylight variations apply.
- Phone policy: Mobile phones are not permitted on the course.
- Days to avoid: Wednesday afternoons, Thursday, and Sunday mornings tend to be quieter for play.
Facilities & Services
- Licensed bar and restaurant serving hearty Irish fare.
- Locker rooms with showers.
- Club‑hire, push‑trolley and electric‑trolley hire available.
- All major credit/debit cards accepted.
- Dress code: neat and casual, no denim.
Accessibility
The clubhouse entrance is ground‑level and wheelchair‑friendly. The course’s natural terrain includes water hazards and uneven ground, so visitors with limited mobility should contact the club in advance.
Parking
A small car park is located adjacent to the clubhouse. During peak summer weekends the space can fill quickly, so early arrival is advisable.
Contact & Directions
- Phone: 028 2177 1318
- Email: info@cushendallgolfclub.com
- Website: https://www.cushendallgolfclub.com
- Address: 21 Shore Road, Cushendall, BT44 0NG, County Antrim
- Map: View on Google Maps
- Social media: Facebook, Instagram
Nearby Golf Courses
If you have time for more golf, the Antrim Coast offers several excellent options within a short drive:
- Ballycastle Golf Club – 10.8 mi north, a classic links course.
- Garron Tower Golf Club – 4.3 mi inland, set on the slopes of Garron Point.
- Ballymena Golf Club – 15.4 mi east, a larger 18‑hole parkland layout. These courses can be combined with a visit to Cushendall for a full day of coastal golfing.
Nearby Attractions
While you’re in the area, consider exploring other highlights of the Antrim Coast and Glens:
- Ballycastle – a charming seaside town with a historic harbour and the Ballycastle Museum.
- Glenarm Castle – a short drive north, offering tours and beautiful gardens.
- The Giant’s Causeway – world‑famous basalt columns, reachable via the scenic Causeway Coastal Route.
- Antrim Coast and Glens – the wider region provides walking trails, wildlife spotting and coastal scenery.
These neighbouring sites make a day‑trip from Cushendall Golf Club easy and rewarding.