North Down is home to one of the most deservedly popular golf clubs in the region, boasting not one, but two excellent courses - the Dufferin and the Ava. The vistas from both courses are breathtaking, with the Dufferin Course offering views over Belfast Lough and the Scottish Coast beyond, and the Ava Course boasting stunning views of Strangford Lough. These views add to the perfect golfing ambience, making it an ideal setting for golfers to enjoy their rounds.

The Championship Dufferin Course, largely woodland/heathland in character, offers golfers a genuine and demanding test. It is a highly-rated course, renowned for its unforgiving opening holes, and it is exacting in its demands for skill. The special features of the course make it a memorable round of golf. The signature hole on this course is surely the 386 yard par 4 fourth, where the daunting tee shot into a narrow-necked fairway embraced on both sides by gorse heather and trees sends shivers through even the most hardened veteran.

The Ava Course is the perfect partner to its sister course, exemplified by the stunning Tower Gap, the 524 yard par 5 second hole. Rated one of the best holes in Ireland, this tree-lined masterpiece ensures accuracy is paramount for both the drive and second shots. This wonderfully mature course is a great blend of pleasure, skill, and challenge set in stunning woodland surroundings.

The undulating parkland/heathland golf club is open to golfers on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. There are restrictions on the Dufferin Course between 12:00 - 13:00. The SSS for the Dufferin Course is 71, while the Ava Course has an SSS of 70. The length in yards for the Dufferin Course is 6,742, while the Ava Course measures 5,755 yards. The course designer is David Thomas and Peter Alliss, who have created two excellent courses that offer golfers a challenging yet enjoyable round of golf.

In summary, the North Down golf club is a must-play for any golfer looking for a genuine and demanding test. With two excellent courses, the Dufferin and the Ava, offering stunning views over Belfast Lough and Strangford Lough, this club provides the perfect golfing ambience. The Dufferin Course is renowned for its unforgiving opening holes and special features, while the Ava Course is a mature course that blends pleasure, skill, and challenge in stunning woodland surroundings. There are no handicap or certificate requirements, making these courses accessible to all golfers.