Northern Ireland Ranking Update 2025
There is no other ranking with higher highs than Northern Ireland. Royal County Down and Royal Portrush Dunluce are two of the finest courses in the world with the Dunluce retaining momentum in GB&I and the World Rankings.
Portstewart Strand is firmly fixed in the GB&I Top 100 and retains 3rd spot in Northern Ireland. Royal Portrush Valley moves from 6th to 4th with the recent work to the first three holes.
The top 6 spots are links courses with Malone holding its own and Lough Erne dropping 5 spots to 9th position.
Biggest Risers in Northern Ireland
- Kirkistone Castle - 4 Spots
- Royal Country Down Annesley - 3 Spots
- Royal Portrush Valley - 2 Spots
Biggest Fallers in the Northern Ireland Ranking
- Lough Erne - Down 5
- Royal Belfast - Down 2
- Galgorm Castle - Down 2
Northern Ireland New Entries
Northern Ireland Ranking Exits
- Moyola Park
Northern Ireland Contenders
Currently, Northern Irish panellists have 10 courses on the contenders list. With extended play during the 2025 season, it may be we can expand the ranking to 25. Do you have what it takes to be a panellist?
Ranking Update Takeaways
We see polished parklands drop again - a common theme with the ranking guidance update taking hold. Northern Ireland is the Jekyll and Hyde of golf.
Ones to Watch
Can Royal Portrush Valley challenge Portstewart Strand with further work and improvements?
Royal Belfast dropped two spots but has recently engaged CDP to improve their course. Is a Top 10 in Northern Ireland possible?
Ardglass is a cult favourite with some epic holes. The changes to the routing and new holes haven't resulted in any upwards movement so far, but 2025 may see that change as more of the new layout begins to be played.
In case you missed it, check out out Ulster Provincial Rankings.