Isle of Man Golf Courses
For a tiny little group of islands, the Isle of Man has much to offer the golfer with a whopping nine golf courses scattered through the island. There are eight 18-hole courses to boot, and very little need to join long queues or reservation lists when planning to golf on the island.
In terms of playing golf on the islands, the factors that will influence include the different types of courses available and the fact that there are strong winds across the island that provide an interesting challenge. In addition, the breathtaking scenery may make it difficult to concentrate for some, while for others, instead of this being a distraction, it can enhance the already wonderful getaway with the ability to luxuriate in nature’s beauty. Fortunately, it is possible to play golf all year round, with very few days closed off due to poor weather conditions.
The Golf Courses
A particularly interesting course to visit, the Port St Mary Golf Course was set up in 1903 and has been at its present location since 1936. This course was designed by British Open Champion, George Duncan in 1920 and is a nine-hole golf course. Surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the two bays of Port St Mary as well as the harbor, since 2009 this course has been managed by its own members.
For more information, contact : +44 (0) 1624 834932
Another popular course is Castletown Golf Course, which has been around since 1892. The current golf course layout was designed by Mackenzie Ross, a golf legend of the 1920s. It is considered to be quite a challenge as this course provides the avid golfer with the opportunity to test his abilities and walk away with a good score. Over more than 100 years this club has been home to several classic championships.
For more information, contact : +44 (0) 01624 822211
The youngest course on the list is Glen Truan Golf Course, located near the Port of Ayre lighthouse. This course was designed to create a challenge at every hole, and some serious concentration is required to play here. Even experienced golfers find this course to be one of the more challenging ones as each hole is laid out totally differently. In addition, there is a river and two lakes to contend with. For those who are in need of a warm up, there is a driving range nearby and a practice ground as well.
For more information, contact : +44 (0)1624 880359
A popular course amongst regular golfing holiday groups is the one at King Edward Bay. In excellent condition, this well maintained course is laid out surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery on the Isle of Man, and is located just on the outskirts of Douglas, the island’s capital. It is situated at an elevated position in Onchan, and truly, it will be difficult to keep your eyes on the fairway when surrounded by the breathtaking scenery and coastal views there. A little tip is to watch yourself on the 14th hole, which is a par 3.
If you had not planned on a golfing holiday, this course also offers equipment and golf carts for hire. For more information, contact : +44 (0) 1624 672709
Another popular haunt for regular golfers is the Mount Murray Golf Course. Built through the natural features of the island, and including lakes and streams throughout the course, this 6361 yard course with six par 3s and five part 5s will require years of skills, some practice and the patience of a single handicapper. It is possible to vary the tee to a shorter length thereby allowing double-digit handicappers to get some worthwhile play-time as well. Arguably the most challenging hole is the 9th hole at 180 yards, as it requires the golfer to take a shot over the lake. When well done, the experience is memorable!
The longest hole in the course is the last, at 595 years and really, an inexperienced golfer could spend quite some time trekking through this one. If it is any consolation, the views are amazing enough to calm one’s nerves after a bad swing or two!
For more information, contact : +44 (0) 1624 695330
The Peel Golf Course, located just east of Peel, is a great course to learn on and the opportunity to meet the many challenges at one golfing location must surely be found here. With many of its 18 hole originally cut through pine tree plantations, there are a variety of challenges that include gorse, turf banks and of course, steams.
The 11th hole is considered to be a bit of a nightmare even for experienced golfers as accuracy is the key to avoid losing the ball in the long run of gorse bushes. This drop-legged course will require a few practice swings before you can actually take a shot that will make a difference.
If you have just started golfing, it may be worthwhile to sign up for a couple of classes with the professional at the club, Paul O’Reilly for some great tips about how to handle this specific course, and for general golfing advice as well.
For more information, contact : +44 (0)1624 843456
If you’re out for some serious relaxation and lots of fun on the course, consider the Douglas Golf Course at Pulrose Park. Founded in 1891 and well maintained, this course allows for pay and play.
While there are some challenging holes, particularly the 17th, which has an elevated tee to the green located some 70 feet below, generally the course is considered to be of medium difficulty and popular amongst individuals out for a day in the sun and some mental and physical exercise.
For more information, contact : +44 (0)1624 675952
The Ramsey Golf Course is another general 18-hole course that is enjoyable and not too taxing for golfers on holiday. Located at the north of the island, the undulating course makes for an interesting on-the-foot tour of the island with a majority of the holes being set in wooded parkland (somewhat tricky for golfers who have a tendency to let their golf balls disappear into the thick!).
Certain holes on this course, particularly the first one, require some skill in meeting the winds head-on and can be a little tricky for first timers. More than a century old, this course boasts great amenities and a good day of relaxing golf for a golfer with any handicap.
For more information, contact : +44 (0) 1624 812244
Last but certainly not least is Rowany Golf Course that was founded in 1895. Boasting excellent views of the Irish Sea and located in Port Erin, it is even possible to take the famous vintage steam train to the club. With six par fours, two par threes, one part five and scattered with gorse and rough, this course may seem unending for a less experienced golfer but for regulars, it is par for the course!
For more information, contact : +44 (0) 1624 834072
