Overview
Malone Golf Club sits just five miles south of Belfast city centre, in the lower Lagan Valley at Ballydrain. The 27‑hole parkland layout sprawls across 330 acres of mature woodland, winding around a natural trout lake of about 20‑25 acres. From the moment you turn onto the tree‑lined drive the sense of arrival is unmistakable – a blend of historic charm and modern golfing excellence.
The club offers three interchangeable nine‑hole loops – Drumbridge, Ballydrain and Edenderry – which can be combined into a championship 18‑hole round of 6,689 yd (par 70/71) or a shorter 9‑hole experience of 3,160 yd (par 72). Facilities include three practice areas, a short‑game zone, a putting green, a lawn‑bowling green, a fully stocked pro shop, tuition services, showers, and a restaurant with panoramic lake views.
History
Founded in 1895 on a modest site at Stranmillis, Malone quickly became a centre of Belfast’s golfing life. The original course was laid out by Dr Alister MacKenzie, a pioneer of modern golf architecture. As Belfast expanded, the club moved several times before finally settling on the Ballydrain estate in 1962. The present layout was commissioned to John Harris of C.K. Cotton & Associates after John Morrison of Harry Colt’s firm withdrew for health reasons. Subsequent refinements were made by Fred Hawtree (1965) and, more recently, David Jones, who updated bunkering and green complexes.
Malone hosted the Irish Open in 1933, when Bob Kenyon claimed victory – a triumph still celebrated on the club’s historic scoreboards. The venue has welcomed legends such as Tony Jacklin and, more recently, endorsements from Rory McIlroy and Paul McGinley. The club maintains a strong link with Queen’s University, which has used the course for varsity competition since 1907.
Recent Improvements
In 2019 the club engaged Ken Kearney to lead a major bunker renovation programme, creating new sand‑contouring on the front‑nine and improving drainage across the estate. David Jones, who first consulted for Malone in the 2000s, returned in 2020 to redesign five green complexes (holes 9, 11, 14, 16 and 18) and add seven new teeing areas, giving the course a more contemporary playing surface while respecting its classic parkland character. These works have been praised for sharpening the strategic challenge of the signature 15th par‑3 over the lake.
Rankings & Awards
- Ranked No 37 in Ireland by Irish Golfer (2026) and consistently placed in the top 50 in previous years.
- Featured in Golf Digest Ireland’s top 50 courses (e.g., No 43 in 2020, No 45 in 2019).
- Voted No 13 Parkland/Inland Course in Ireland by Backspin magazine (2010).
- Regularly scores high on player‑review sites for condition, layout and hospitality.
Notable Tournaments
- Irish Open – 1933 – Bob Kenyon’s victory is still recorded on the historic scoreboards.
- Irish Senior Masters – 1993 – Gary Player won the event, adding to the club’s professional pedigree.
- Open Week – August – A week‑long series of society competitions for seniors, ladies and mixed teams.
- Ladies’ Captain’s Prize – early June – A knockout format attracting regional clubs.
- Junior & Junior Ladies’ competitions – Run in partnership with local schools.
What to See & Do
The Course
The championship routing begins on the Drumbridge nine, where generous fairways are framed by mature oaks and beech trees, demanding precise placement off the tee. The outward nine gradually introduces the lake, with the 13th and 14th holes requiring careful navigation of fairways that slope toward the water’s edge.
The signature moment arrives on the short par‑3 15th: a tee shot launched over the lake to a well‑bunkered green perched on the far bank. Even a slight mis‑hit can find the water, making it a memorable test of nerve and club selection. The closing stretch continues the lakeside drama, culminating in an 18th that pits the green against water on one side and strategic bunkering on the other.
Facilities & Amenities
Beyond the fairways, Malone offers a modern clubhouse where members and visitors can unwind. The on‑site restaurant serves Irish classics, while the bar provides a relaxed setting for post‑round drinks. The pro shop stocks the latest equipment, and tuition is available for players of all abilities. Additional leisure options include a lawn‑bowling green and a well‑maintained putting green, making the venue suitable for families and social groups.
Practice & Fishing
- Two driving ranges – one with a ball‑machine and a traditional grass range – cater to all skill levels.
- Short‑game area, bunker practice bays and a dedicated putting green.
- The 20‑acre trout lake is stocked regularly; club members (and visitors with a day‑pass) can fish from the shore or by boat.
Scenic Highlights
The lake, often described as the heart of the estate, reflects the surrounding trees and creates a tranquil backdrop for both play and relaxation. In spring the banks burst with flowering shrubs, and in autumn the foliage turns a rich palette of gold and amber, offering photographers and nature lovers a visual feast.
Events & Tournaments
Malone runs an annual Open Week in August, featuring a week‑long series of competitions for senior, ladies and mixed teams. Highlights include:
- Open Week (3–9 August) – 18‑hole stroke play for members and society players.
- Ladies’ Captain’s Prize (early June) – a knockout format attracting regional clubs.
- Junior & Junior Ladies’ competitions – run in partnership with local schools.
The club also hosts corporate society days, charity matches and university varsity fixtures throughout the year. Tee times for events should be booked at least 14 days in advance.
Visitor Information
Address & Access – 240 Upper Malone Road, Belfast, County Antrim BT17 9LB. The club is reached via the A55 from Belfast; on‑site parking is free for players and visitors.
Opening Hours – The course is open during daylight hours year‑round. Clubhouse opens 08:00‑23:00 daily.
Contact – Phone: 028 90 612758 | Email: manager@malonegolfclub.co.uk. The resident professional is Michael McGee (tel 028 90 614917) for lessons, equipment hire and trolley services.
Green Fees – Updated 2023 rates (subject to change):
| Season | Course | Adults (Weekday) | Adults (Weekend/Public Holiday) | Juniors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 May – 30 Sept | Championship (Drumbridge/Ballydrain) | £100‑£115 | £125 | £30 |
| 1 May – 30 Sept | Edenderry (Third Nine) | £25 | £25 | £10 |
| 1 Oct – 30 Apr | Championship | £60 | £60 | £30 |
| 1 Oct – 30 Apr | Edenderry | £25 | £25 | £10 |
Early‑bird (before 10 am) and twilight (after 5 pm) rates are available at £20/£30 respectively. Reduced rates apply when playing with a club member.
Dress Code – Smart‑casual on the course; collared shirts are required. In the upstairs Stevenson Room (bar) gentlemen must wear a jacket and tie. Denim, slogan‑shirts, tracksuits and mobile phones on the course are not permitted.
Accessibility – The clubhouse and main course entrances are wheelchair‑accessible, and electric trolleys are available on request.
Buggies – No motorised buggies are permitted on the course (as per the club’s visitor policy).
Booking – Tee times can be booked via the club’s website (when operational), by phone, or through GolfPass, which offers discounted rates and tee‑time protection for members.
Best Time to Play – Late spring to early autumn gives the most reliable weather and a full lake. Autumn colours add extra scenery, while winter can bring frost on the greens and occasional course closures due to frost.
Nearby Attractions
A round at Malone pairs well with a short drive to Belfast’s cultural sites:
- Belfast Castle – historic mansion with parkland walks.
- Belfast Botanic Gardens – Victorian glasshouses and a palm house.
- The Giant’s Ring Trail – a prehistoric earthwork a few minutes away.
- Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park – lakeside parkland ideal for a post‑round stroll.
- Belfast Hills – scenic hill walks offering panoramic views of the city and Lagan Valley.
Visiting Tips
- When to go: Late spring to early autumn offers the most reliable weather and the lake at its fullest. Autumn colours add extra scenery, while winter can bring frost on the greens.
- What to bring: Comfortable golf shoes, a rain jacket (the Lagan Valley can be changeable), and a camera for the lake vistas.
- Family friendly: The clubhouse restaurant, lawn‑bowling green and short‑game area make Malone suitable for non‑golfing family members.
- Dog policy: Dogs are not permitted on the course but are welcome in the clubhouse’s outdoor terrace area.