The Isle of Man may only be 32 miles long and 14 miles wide, but there are still plenty of open spaces for nine challenging golf courses to play during your stay. South of the Island, Castletown Golf Links is a classic course on a stunning peninsula. Castletown features in the Rolex World rankings of top golf courses and completely justifies that accolade. The club house also has an excellent reputation for serving Manx produce. In Port Erin, you’ll find Rowany Golf Club. A challenge for golfers at any level, the gentle opening couple of holes allow you to enjoy the spectacular views as you accustom yourself to the course. Nearby, is the Island’s only nine-hole course, Port St Mary Golf Club, designed by 1920 Open Champion, George Duncan, offers stunning sea views and has a welcoming club house and restaurant.
In the north of the Island, you can find Ramsey Golf Club – an 18-hole course designed by five-time Open Championship winner, James Braid. Set on mainly flat ground, making it easy on the legs, the first six and last two holes are over flat ground divided by a brook, while the remaining 10 are set in wooded parkland with a hilly backdrop. Over on the west side, Peel Golf Club laid out on heathland is extremely varied, with many holes cut through pine tree forests offering a range of natural challenges from streams, turf banks and gorse. Local golfers adore Peel as this course is highly manicured and in great condition.
Near the Island’s capital, Mount Murray Golf and Country Club presents golfers with an opportunity to play on a superb 18-hole championship course set in magnificent Isle of Man scenery. The memorable Douglas Golf Course is one of a select number of golf courses designed by Dr Alexander (Alister) MacKenzie, architect of some of the world’s most challenging courses, of among which are the Augusta National in Atlanta, Georgia and Australia’s Royal Melbourne. King Edward Bay Golf Club affords some of the best views on the Isle of Man due to its elevated position above Onchan, on the outskirts Douglas. The springy turf is exceptional and featuring impressive holes, including the short fourteenth, a par three with a carry over the heather and a magnificent view of Douglas Bay.