Ardglass Golf Club, Ardglass, Northern Ireland

Most people would be surprised to learn that the world’s oldest clubhouse is not at St. Andrews, Muirfield, Shinnecock, or other famous golfing shrine. Rather, it is located about 30 minutes north of Royal County Down in Northern Ireland, at one of our favorite “hidden gems,” the Ardglass Golf Club. Here, the clubhouse dates all the way back to the 12th century, an ancient castle that thankfully still stands as one of the most imposing presences in all of golf. Once you get past the first tee, the first six holes, literally right on top of the ocean along some of the most incredible coastline we have seen, will leave you in utter disbelief. Are you at Pebble Beach? How is it possible you haven’t heard of Ardglass? Well, it may have once been true that the final 12 holes, while still fun, didn't quite measure up to the first six, but the club has taken major steps to remedy this situation. They have purchased new land along the sea, heading out to the distant lighthouse, and now have an entirely new, and just as thrilling, stretch of holes as the first six. When you finish, a wonderful welcome awaits back in the clubhouse bar, one of the friendliest of 19th holes. A perfect compliment to Royal County Down, no one will regret a round at Ardglass!