Golf
The Isle of Man is a true golfers heaven. 9 quality courses within a small Island (37 x 12 miles). 36 hole golf day on 2 entirely different styled courses with a nice country pub lunch in between is easily obtainable on the Isle of Man. Another advantage for Manx golf is that its golfing population is relatively small which translates into uncrowded tee's and excellent value green fees. From the breezy all natural links courses to the finely manicured parkland you are sure to find a course to suit your individual taste and challenge.
The Island's most northern and newest golf course. Created on natural links over the heath and dunes of the The Ayres Nature Reserve your view is hugely magnificent. Scotland can easily be viewed across the sea and Point of Ayre lighthouse stands proud at the top of the Isle of Man. The 6454 yard course truly challenging and can be enjoyed in the new buggys. The warm Manx welcome from the Radcliffe family is part of the attraction when visiting this great course.
Since 1892 this 6707 yard pure links golf course is regarded as the Isle of Man's premier golf course. Its stunning location is on Langness penninsula where the Irish sea completely surrounds you. A truly challenging course in a picturesque setting has been rated in the top 100 by Golf World Magazine 2004 and also voted 79th by Golf Monthly. The course boasts some wonderfully spectacular holes. The most famous being "road hole" that has earned the respect by the likes of Greg Norman, Bernard Langer and Darren Clarke and the 17th tee shot is as specatcular as its daunting over a massive deep sea ravine. The adjoining hotel has good facilities including restaurant, bar and swimming pool.
Situated in the north of the Island this beautiful parkland course is 5982 yards long and a par 70. A relatively flat walk with several undulating holes between brooks and trees, it sits under Skye Hill and is typically sheltered. Established in 1891 it is an excellent quality course with a fine club house to enjoy a meal and drink afterwards. The ever-dangerous Ramsey bunkers become most evident in the last 3 holes of a 4,3,3 and ruined many a good card!
A heathland terrain course is the Isle of Man's most westerly in the sunset city of Peel. 5874 par 69 course requires a good thinking game as its plenty tricky with its gorse and a single brook that features on 5 holes. Positioned on the outskirts of Peel it's in a lovely scenic position and has an excellent clubhouse to enjoy a bite and drink afterwards.
Situated in Port Erin, south of the Island this is a course of contrasts. The first few holes are relatively straight-forward; open up and down with not too much trouble. The back 9 is entirely different as its terrain changes to a hilly heathland style course. Gorse, banks, and trees all come into play. 5803 par 70 is an interesting days golf. The westerly positioned clubhouse overlooks the Irish sea from an elevated position.
Part of a 4 star hotel complex and set in 200 acres of countryside the course is well designed and is an interesting challenge. 6361 par 71 has many hedges, streams and a lake to negotiate. It's a lush course that require a good walk uphill for the back 9 and weaves through country estates on the front 9.
Situated in the capital of Douglas, and designed by Alistair McKenzie (same designer of Augusta) this well established course blends a mixure of undulating holes, both long and short. A great course that is easily accessible to the main facilities of the Island and boasts a spectacular 17th par 3 that requires a 200 foot drop.
Perched on Onchan head, just outside Douglas this is a challenging short hilltop course. Heathland terrain is a par 67 5282 yard course it has many blind holes that can easily upset the card. You can be easily distracted with brilliant sea views and looks down on Douglas. A high quality restaurant is part of the clubhouse facility and recommended to be booked prior.
Another southern course that is the only 9 hole course on the Island. Founded in 1903, it is extremely well-established and playing 18 its yardage is 5770. The 6th tee looking down onto Port St Mary harbour is worth taking the camera for view if not the shot!!
Acknowledgements: isleofman.com