Looking forward to the peak golfing season in the Northern Ireland, here we take a look at the top 5 courses by number of open events throughout 2026, and reveal some real gems with a welcoming atmosphere and exceptionally good value vistors green fees. In fact, Northern Ireland are leading the pack when it comes to open competitions in the UK. Click here to search for more events in Northern Ireland.
1) Rockmount Golf Club (55)
Our runaway leader with 55 open competitions in 2026, Rockmount welcomes visitors to its weekly stableford events as well as holding an open week in the middle of June.
Rockmount Golf Club is a parkland championship course located south of Belfast city centre near Carryduff, Northern Ireland. The eighteen-hole course was developed from farmland by Robert and Diane Patterson, officially opening on May 8, 1995, with European Ryder Cup player Darren Clarke performing the opening ceremony.
Green fees for visitors are only £32.
2) Carrickfergus Golf Course (25)
Carrickfergus holds regular weekly open stableford competitions for both men and ladies.
Carrickfergus Golf Club is an 18-hole parkland course located on the shoreline of Belfast Lough, offering panoramic views across to County Down. Founded in 1926, the course features a par 68 layout with a balanced design incorporating both challenging and accessible holes.
Green fees for visitors are £31 on weekdays and £37 at weekends.
3) Shandon Park Golf Club (10)
Shandon Park has an open week starting 27th June, as well as a few other events scattered through the spring and summer months.
Shandon Park Golf Club is a parkland course located in the leafy suburbs of East Belfast, approximately three miles from Belfast city centre. Founded in 1926, the club is celebrating its centenary year and has established itself as one of Ireland’s most competitively successful golf clubs, winning 13 All Ireland Senior titles and back-to-back European Club titles in 2000 and 2001.
Green fees for visitors are around £30.
4) Killymoon Golf Club (9)
With a variety of formats, including some scrambles, there’s plenty of opportunity for fun both on an off the course at Killymoon.
Nestled in the heart of Mid Ulster near Cookstown, Killymoon Golf Club is an 18-hole parkland course established in 1889 and a founding member of the Golfing Union of Ireland. The course is built on an extraordinary sand-based soil that allows year-round playability, even in challenging winter conditions.
Green fees for visitors are only £20.
5) Donaghadee Golf Club (9)
Donaghadee’s events are evenly spread from April to September with a wide variety of formats.
Donaghadee Golf Club, situated on the North Down Coast at the mouth of Belfast Lough, was established in 1899 and celebrates 125 years of golf in 2024. The original 9-hole course was designed by Willie Fernie, the Scottish professional who won the Open Championship in 1883. The current 18-hole par 71 layout, a combination of links and parkland terrain, opened in 1907. The course benefits from stunning views across to the Copeland Islands and features an excellent practice academy that opened in 2010.
Green fees for visitors are £40 or less.
