A trip to the Isle of Man will often involve deep treks through lush areas of nature, stops off at some of the island’s most iconic historical sites, and days spent relaxing on beautiful sandy beaches. But for those who want to try something a little different on their trip, a visit to one of the many competitive golf courses is a must.
Fans of the sport will find themselves spoilt for choice. With picturesque, wide open landscapes found all over the island, it’s little wonder that the Isle of Man is able to boast such a wide array of breathtaking courses. Not sure which one works best for you? Here are just a handful of the most engaging and beautiful courses you’ll find here.
1. Castletown Golf Links
- Par: 73
- Yardage: 6,800
- Longest hole: 7th (Racecourse), 569 yards
- Shortest hole: 13th (Short), 133 yards
Found at the Southeastern tip of the island, Castletown Golf Links earns its name thanks to a number of natural hazards which were naturally built into the course by Old Tom Morris way back in 1892. Wild rough, rocky beaches, gorse, a lack of cover, and fierce sea winds make this one of the toughest courses on the Isle of Man.
While that might mean a few lost balls during your round (we’d recommend leaving your best at home), it does also mean that patrons are treated to stunning panoramic views of the Irish Sea during a round. A particular highlight comes on the 17th hole, where your tee shot needs to carry across a deep, rocky gorge which waves regularly crash against.
2. Peel Golf Club
- Par: 69
- Yardage: 5,919
- Longest hole: 7th, 467 yards
- Shortest hole: 10th, 144 yards
This friendly course and club might be a nicer change of pace for those who are less fussed about the more technical nature of their game. While it’s fair to say that Peel Golf Course isn’t without its own set of challenges, it’s the visitor-friendly atmosphere of the club – coupled with stunning green fairways and breathtaking views of the local region – which makes playing a round here so alluring.
You’ll find a full service pro shop, a bar and restaurant, practice putting green, chipping area, bunker shot and short course practice zone, and a full netted driving range. What’s more, guests can take advantage of slightly cheaper rates in the summer during twilight golf hours, as well as regularly taking part in monthly competitions.
3. Mount Murray Golf Club
- Par: 71
- Yardage: 6,356
- Longest hole: 18th, 595 yards
- Shortest hole: 6th, 155 yards
The Mount Murray Golf Club is the second largest on the island, with its 18th hole being the closest you’ll find anywhere to the 600-yard mark on Manx. A part of the elite Comis Hotel and Golf Resort – widely considered one of the best locations on the island – the course sees the natural countryside of the Isle of Man used to create devilish hazards. This extends to a number of hedges, streams, and lakes which can be found littered throughout your round.
Those wanting to hone their skills before heading out will do well to make the most of a private driving range and putting green. The real star of the show though is the Indoor Performance Centre found here. This advanced tool has a TrackMan launch monitor which allows you to simulate playing a hole on this or a number of other famous courses from around the world.
4. Ramsey Golf Club
- Par: 70
- Yardage: 5,934
- Longest hole: 11th, 517 yards
- Shortest hole: 3rd, 137 yards
While once a 12-hole course designed by Old Tom Mills, the purchase of additional land, paired with the design work of James Braid, has seen the Ramsey Golf Club now offer one of the best days out for golfing enthusiasts anywhere on Manx. Ramsey’s greens are a particular highlight, with groundskeepers doing what they can to turn the course into something of an Isle of Man Augusta.
While far from an easy day out, this club is able to boast much greater wind resistance thanks to being sheltered by the surrounding northern hills. Founded in 1891, the course has stood the test of time to emerge as one of the premier golfing locations anywhere on the island. Regular competitions are held throughout the year, while those who are slightly less confident with their game can also book private tutoring sessions.
5. Rowany Golf Course
- Par: 70
- Yardage: 5,722
- Longest hole: 10th (The Barracks), 539 yards
- Shortest hole: 16th (Gorse Craig), 148 yards
Found on the southwest corner of the island, in the charming town of Port Erin, Rowany Golf Course has been a firm favourite of locals and visitors alike since as far back as 1895. A round here is famed for the increasing level of difficulty that you’ll find as you progress through each of the 18 holes. After a handful of simpler layouts to help ease you into the course, the true test starts as you head out for the back nine.
That all culminates in one of the most breathtaking views in golf, as you reach an 18th hole which provides a stunning view out over Port Erin and the fearsome Irish Sea. On a clear day you’ll even be able to see the Mountains of Morne.
If all that sounds a little intimidating, don’t worry. There’s a 6-hole pitch and putt course at Rowany which gives amateurs, or those wanting to warm-up before a full round, a slightly less intense day out on the fairway.
6. Douglas Golf Club
- Par: 69
- Yardage: 5,830
- Longest hole: 9th, 478 yards
- Shortest hole: 8th, 144 yards
Found right on the edge of the island’s capital city, the Douglas Golf Club (formerly known as Pulrose) is a welcoming course which caters to golfers of all ages and abilities. With wider, more open fairways than some of its rivals in the region, the course is the perfect spot for those wanting to enjoy a slightly more relaxed round.
Perhaps the highlight of a trip to the club comes in the form of the 19th hole. That’s the name for their clubhouse, which is home to a full bar and restaurant. The most famous hole on the course is the 17th – which sees an elevated tee-to-green run for 200 yards from start to finish. Former pro Kevin Parry once managed to shoot a hole-in-one here. The really miraculous part? He was only using a putter.
7. King Edward Bay Golf Club
- Par: 67
- Yardage: 5,231
- Longest hole: 4th, 455 yards
- Shortest hole: 14th, 132 yards
This charming course is packed full of character, and is yet another on the island which was designed by the legendary Old Tom Morris. The beautiful backdrop of the Irish Sea might seem intimidating, but the reality is that King Edward Bay is actually a course that caters to golfers of all abilities.
Huge overhauls to the layout and playability of a variety of holes has taken place in recent years, with adjustments made to the greens on the 7th, 10th, 16th, and 17th to bring a fresh challenge for regular and new players alike. The par 4 eight hole has also seen major changes, and is now considered by club captain, Sean Murphy, to be one of the most challenging holes on the Isle of Man.
8. Port St Mary Golf Club
- Par: 68
- Yardage: 5,770
- Longest hole: 4th & 13th, 403 yards
- Shortest hole: 8th & 17th, 216 yards
Port St Mary Golf Club gives visitors the chance to go the whole hog and play a full round, or take it a little easier and only play a half. This 9-hole course opened in 1936 (although the club can trace their roots back to 1903), and is widely considered one of the most scenic spots to play anywhere on the Isle of Man.
Catch a glimpse of iconic spots like Perwick Bay, Port St Mary and Bay Ny Carrickey, before stopping by for a bite to eat at the Pavilion Restaurant. If you fancy yourself something of a contender, competitions are held throughout the year. Ladies events are Saturdays and Thursdays, men on Sundays and Wednesdays, and seniors on Wednesday mornings.
9. Glen Truan Golf Club
- Par: 72
- Yardage: 6,404
- Longest hole: 5th, 540 yards
- Shortest hole: 8th, 116 yards
The most northern course on the Isle of Man, Glen Truan also boasts the record of being the longest. Sightseers can enjoy a visit to local landmarks such as The Point of Ayre Lighthouse and Ayres National Nature Reserve before a round, while the 13th hole at Glen Truan consists of two majestic lakes which are used for fishing.
The clubhouse also offers you the chance to warm up your skills with the help of their state-of-the-art practice facilities. These include a full driving range and an area to work on your short game. Food and drink are available inside – all of which can be enjoyed from the comfort of the modern lounge area.
Sail to the Isle of Man for your next golf holiday
Whether you’re travelling for a golf holiday, or just want to add a round or two to your existing itinerary, the Isle of Man is one of the best locales to explore. And, luckily for you, getting here has never been easier thanks to the services of the Steam Packet Company.
No matter what part of the UK you’re travelling from, we have ferry routes which leave from a number of major ports, including Heysham, Liverpool, Belfast, and Dublin. Find the route and time which works for you, and make sure to book yourself passage to this one-of-a-kind island destination.