Private functions / BBQs and carveries / Corporate facilities / Open to the public

Located in the Lagan Valley at The Maze near Lisburn the course lies within the perimiter of Down Royal Race Course which was granted a Royal Charter in 1684 by James II. It is one of the longest courses in Northern Ireland.
The sandy soils and high water table ensure that the course enjoys an excellent mix of water features and holes which run through beautiful avenues of gorse and bracken. 
Down Royal has always been known as one of the driest and most natural layouts in Ulster.

Under new ownership and management from 2006.

This pleasant moorland course offers something for every golfer. The Par 4's are made up of wide, open fairways with few bunkers to present any danger. The Par 3's are a little more challenging and pleasant to play. The Par 5 Second however is considered one of the best Par 5's in all of Ireland. A dog leg left, with OOB @220yd straight ahead from the tee and a stream to carry as the hole bends left, only the best will reach the green in two and making it in regulation is a challenge in itself.
What let's this course down is the management of it. The facilities beyond a bar which sells meals are all but non-existant. Membership the last time I looked was over £600 but with an additional £500 joining fee in your first year. Unless you play EVERY week, you're not getting a lot for your money. However, worse than that, unless you have a regular golfing partner, you won't get anything for it as no-one, members or visitors are allowed to play on their own. There is no obvious reason for this. What makes it all the stranger is that the club operates a 2 for the price of 1 charging policy on weekdays! Put simply, DO NOT consider a round of golf at this course on your own - You won't be allowed to play the 18 hole course. Best time to play is weekdays with a partner where you'll each pay £10. Rounds at the weekend are £20 but £15 after 1pm.
The club also has a small 9 hole course which is easy enough to play so long as you don't shoot through the greens. That's easier said than done however as they're the size of postage stamps.
Overall the 18 hole course is a nice round of golf with more than enough to keep you interested. It's easily affordable and surrounded by a race course which makes for a pleasant setting. The lack of facilities and bizarre policy of not allowing individuals lets it down.

Gavin Hendrie August 11, 2005

The Club and Course have seen a lot of improvement since being under new ownership and management from 2006. Both the 18  and 9 hole course are in excellent playing condition and offer something for every golfer, with a mixture of challenges throughout both courses.  Membership is only £470 per year (which has not increased in 10 years)with a joining fee of £470. The club are always promoting special golf rates, for example at present, you can play the 18 hole course on Tuesdys and Thursdays for £17 and get a tasty meal included. On a Mon, Wed and Fri the rate is £17 and at weekend you can play for £22 before 4pm and £17 after. The 9 hole course which is only £6 per round and £9 for two rounds per person,is great for beginners, families and for those with less time to play. On Fridays, you can get a meal and play 2 rounds on the 9 hole course for only £12pp.
The club is open to the public and welcomes single players, groups (big and small) and societies. The clubhouse boasts well established bar and restaurant facilities,again open to the public, the food being renowned for its great value and generous, tasty portions. Kids can eat for only £1.50.
Overall Down Royal Golf Club is very welcoming. The  golf and restaurant are very affordable and both benefit from a pleasant setting with great views.

Bill May 15, 2008