Knock Golf Club

Overview: Knock Golf Club plays over parkland at Summerfield, beside the Stormont estate on the eastern side of Belfast. It measures about 6,430 yards to a par of 70, with only one par five, so the card is dominated by long par fours. Tree-lined fairways, firm greens and bunkers protecting most targets ask for accurate iron play, and several holes look towards Parliament Buildings. The course’s original fabric reflects an interwar emphasis on position: holes ask for placement from the tee, and the greens reward an approach from the correct side of the fairway. Mature trees around Summerfield give the course a sheltered parkland feel, while the longer two-shot holes keep the round exacting.

History: Knock’s story started in 1895 at Castleward, before the club moved to the Summerfield estate in 1920. Colt, MacKenzie and Alison were asked to create the new eighteen holes, with Charles Alison responsible for most of the detailed design according to club records. This interwar layout remains the foundation of today’s course.

Did You Know? The 6th, a par four of about 450 yards, is crossed by a stream and marked by a monkey puzzle tree, a landmark the club itself singles out on its hole guide.