History

Bangor Golf Club has been an integral part of the seaside town in North County Down since 1903. Situated a short walk from the Bangor town centre, its eighteen-hole course is an accessible feature that reflects the character of the area.

With its undulating parkland layout, that has been present in the area for over a century, Bangor Golf Club is part of North Down’s local golf history.

Bangor Golf Club was founded in February 1903 and began its affiliation with the Golfing Union of Ireland in the March of that year. In the months that followed, the Ladies’ Branch at Bangor was founded in May 1903, ensuring the forging of golf history in North Down.

On 13th June 1903, the initial nine-hole course opened to members. This allowed golfers from near and far to experience what the fledgeling Bangor Golf Club had to offer. The following year, the club added a second nine holes, giving Bangor its first full eighteen-hole golf course.

In 1933, Bangor Golf Club acquired more land in the Broadway area and paired up with legendary five-time Open champion James Braid. At the time, James Braid was the pre-eminent golf course architect in Britain. This meant that the association with such a massive name in the golfing world brought further prestige to the area.

It was through this relationship that Braid designed a new eighteen-hole course across the road from the original golf club. It was then that a new chapter began in Bangor’s golf history.

On 6th April 1935, the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, Rt. Hon. Viscount Craigavon and his wife opened the present clubhouse. Once opened, Lady Craigavon hit the opening tee shot to officially declare the new course opened, to the delight of a vast crowd.

As time has gone by, Bangor Golf Club has evolved over the years. However, it has been the club’s priority to retain the original features of the course constructed by its original designer. This approach has ensured that James Braid’s vision remains at the core of Bangor’s golf history.

Almost ninety years on, young trees planted in those fledgeling fairways are now seen as features of beauty, lining every hole. It is thanks to the tireless efforts of successive councils and teams of ground staff that the course at Bangor Golf Club stands up to others across Britain and Ireland.

In 2003, Bangor Golf Club celebrated its centenary year. To mark the occasion, HRH, the Duke of York visited the club and signed the club’s golf history book. A commemorative plaque was commissioned to mark the event, which is on display in the foyer of the clubhouse.

The fees for visitors are as follows: –
2/6 per day; 10/- per week; 30/– per month;40/-for two months. The fees for Ladies are lower than these
For those who go minutely into the game I append a table of distances.

In conclusion may I recommend the keen golfer to try Bangor for its golfing worth? For the nerve weary I would prescribe the” wine” that sweeps the award of Bangor; to the morose and out-of-temper I would say,” Come! It will buck you up and do you good. Remember, if you come once you won’t need my advice again. You will come of your own free will.”

Extract from Official Guide to Bangor
Date of the original article unknown – Re-production date 5th September 2012

Speaking as a resident of Bangor, I can truthfully assert that a goodly proportion of the joy of life would be gone if I were suddenly called upon to say farewell to the Bangor Golf Club. Its fellowship is so happy, its air so invigorating, its course so excellent that those who. Like myself, have tasted of these good things, cherish them very dearly.

The Club House is situated on the Hamilton Road, about ten minutes’ walk from the Railway Station. It is a modern and spacious building, containing Club Rooms, Billiard Room, Locker and Dressing Rooms. A section of the House has been set aside for the exclusive use of ladies, but owing to the rapid progress of the Club arrangements are now complete for the erection of a separate Club House for the members of this Branch. It will be most commodious and thoroughly up-to-date in equipment.

A considerable amount of social life centres round the Clubhouse, and here any week evening one can meet friends and enjoy a game of billiards or auction. The Steward is capable and obliging, and visitors may rely on every attention.

But it is when one turns his mind to the game itself that the great attraction of the Bangor Golf Club presents itself. Here you have l8 holes excellently planned and most scientifically bunkered. A vast amount of thought and money has been expended, and it may be said at once that the result does credit to the Council of the Club. Very special attention has been paid to the greens, which are now recognised as equal to, if not rivalling, those of any other inland course in the country. Variety is a feature. Every club is brought into action, and the player who equals bogey (77) must display skill, versatility, and resource.

Charming scenic panoramas can be seen from many points on the Links. Spion Kop, so named on account of its elevation, is perhaps the place of best advantage. To the north there is a fine view of Belfast Lough and the Irish Sea, across which, on a clear day’, one can discern the distant hills of Scotland and the Harbour of Portpatrick On the opposite side a ” Patchwork Quilt” of undulating cultivated country unfolds itself, fringed with the green of Lord Dufferin’s Woods, where stands
” Dominant o’er sea and land,” the famed Helen’s Tower.

Nestling between these two points we have perhaps the best view obtainable of the town itself. From a visitor’s standpoint a great advantage lies in the fact that temporary members being so numerous a stranger can always, without difficulty, find a partner at almost any time of the day during the summer months; indeed, as evidencing the high reputation the Links, nearly £600 was received in visitors’ fees last year.

The Golfing Union of Ireland has also testified to the reputation of the Club those temporarily off their game will find James Ross a clever and painstaking Professional and Club Maker.