Gracehill - Antrim - Northern Ireland

The Gillan family purchased the land in 1971 on which the course at Gracehill House is built. Twenty years later, they decided to close their farm and open an 18-hole golf course in its place. Old estate buildings were converted to form a modern clubhouse and Frank Ainsworth – designer of other courses in Northern Ireland like Roe Park and Adminnan – was entrusted with the layout of the holes.

And so, in 1995, the 6,525-yard par 72 Gracehill course was opened for play. It is a parkland track laid out on gently undulating terrain with many mature stands of trees, though none are too encroaching on the fairways. Water comes into play at many of the holes in the form of streams or ponds, though bunkering has been kept to a minimum and greens are generally large and level.

The incorporation of so many water features may not sit comfortably with many golfing purists but there’s no denying this American design influence has had everything to do with making this a very challenging, contemporary course.

Three feature holes are worthy of special mention. First, the testing 440-yard 5th, called “Iderown”, is a long par four where, if the second shot is over clubbed, the ball will end up in the pond behind the green. Second, the 455-yard 10th, named “Doughery Burn”, is another tough par four where the second shot is played to a green protected by a large pond on the left. Lastly, the 200-yard par three 14th, entitled “Wing ‘n a Prayer”, requires the tee shot to be played over (yet another) pond to a large green with a central spine.

Investors spent around £5 million in the property after they acquired the Gracehill House estate in 2015. But by June 2020, with the hospitality industry in covid lockdown, receivers were appointed. Gracehill House, along with the 18-hole course and licensed restaurant were sold to a couple of local businessmen who continue to operate the business as a pay and play facility.