Rush for the Open: 10 wonderful gems to play while you're up north

Ahead of this year’s Open Championship, Kevin Markham highlights ten excellent courses in Northern Ireland, where travelling golfers can enjoy a round during the tournament.

Scrabo, Co Down

The Open at Royal Portrush is already front of mind for golfers who love the spectacle of the game’s greatest championship. Every year brings a multitude of what-ifs and crossed-fingers, and occasionally – just occasionally – we get the winner we want. Take a bow, Shane Lowry.

Many Irish golfers will be venturing north with their prized tickets in July, to watch this spectacle. And some will be hoping to stay north of the border and play a game or two. It will come as no surprise to learn that the big guns of Northern Irish golf are already booked solid for the days of and around The Open, so here are ten golf courses – from the North’s stock of over 90 – to consider instead, along with special green fee rates before, during and after the Open. To call them ‘hidden gems’ would be an insult to their quality and reputation, so let’s call them ‘wonderful gems’ instead.