Council Unveils Plans for Exciting New Park Golf Experience in Newcastle

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has unveiled plans for Ireland’s first park golf experience at the foot of the Mourne Mountains in Newcastle.

The nine hole course is being developed at the Island Park on the footprint of a former pitch and putt facility, with the exciting proposal supported by a range of Golfing organisations, including Royal County Down (RCD) Golf Club, home to the world’s number one golf course.

Due to open next summer, the all-ability facility will be developed on stunning parkland, with the installation and maintenance of tee boxes and putting greens carried out by RCD, with the new par three course featuring artificial tees and fairway style greens, with participants using only one club and large, light golf balls, which reduces the distance they can travel.

A recommendation to progress the eco-friendly facility designed to provide an affordable, accessible golf experience for all ages and abilities, including schools, youth groups, older people and those with mobility issues, was agreed at a meeting of the Council’s Active and Healthy Communities Committee on 15 June and will be considered by the full Council when it meets next month.

The new park golf facility has been designed to support physical activity, social inclusion and community engagement, while enhancing visitor facilities in the resort. Council officials have been working on the golf park plan with Mr Kevan Whitson, the former Royal County Down professional, with Golf Ireland excited at its future potential.

The Council proposal aims to develop an accessible, welcoming golf facility that promotes health, skill development and community cohesion, offering a golf experience for juniors to seniors and everyone in between. 

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Glyn Hanna, said, “The new nine-hole course will be a major attraction and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.

“It is located in a beautiful location with the Mourne Mountains providing a stunning backdrop. Special thanks to Royal County Down for its involvement with this scheme which will be extremely popular with a wide range of people.”

The Council Chairperson said the new park golf experience will add to and complement existing attractions in Newcastle, helping draw more people to the resort and supporting local businesses.

Cllr Hanna added: “This exciting development will open the world of golf to a new generation and could pave the way for Newcastle to have its very own Rory McIlroy in the future.”

Active and Healthy Communities Chairperson, Councillor Tierna Howie said, “The new pitch and putt development is very exciting and will provide an affordable, accessible golf experience for all. Support for this new venture from the world’s number one golf course, which we are fortunate to have in our area, is invaluable.”

Mr Whitson described the location for the new park golf experience as the “most incredible setting you could imagine” welcoming Royal County Down Golf Club’s support for advancing the scheme which it really wants to see work.

“This project is really gathering momentum and it’s nice for us to be at the front of the chase. It will provide opportunities for everyone and golf clubs across the world are looking to find small, interesting facilities so they can start people at the grassroots of the game and that is what will happen in Newcastle,” he said.

“Golf Ireland is keen to use us as a showcase and there is a real willingness to support us. I would like to think that this project will only get better. Everyone can get involved in park golf and with the location close to Newcastle Tennis Club, the area is already a sporting hub.”

Mr Whitson said there is an opportunity to provide a new, highly accessible modern facility that everyone can be proud of and which strengthens local connection and access to the sport, with future opportunities for expansion to maximise community use.