Over a century Of Golfing History
Holywood Golf Club was formed in 1904
The Early Years 1904-1922
Laid out on ground rented from Henry Harrison, whom was elected the first President of the club, the first nine hole course was set on land known as The Irish Hill. In 1917 Grainger Brothers bought the Harrison estate and in 1928 the golf club bought the land from them. The first Captain of the club was Mr H L Garrett of St Valentines.
Growth of the Club 1923-1945
In 1923 the club was formed into a limited company and for £6,000 they bought land on the Belfast side of Nun’s Walk. A further 9 holes were developed, creating an eighteen hole course and a new club house was built on the site of the present tee on Nun’s Walk. In October 1945 that clubhouse was destroyed by fire and Artullagh House was rented as the new clubhouse facilities.
After the War 1946-1962
Following World War II the club placed an advert in the local press looking for new members, setting aside the joining fee, leaving prospective members to come up with the princely sum of 3 guineas for the annual fee. With the continuing growth of golf at Holywood and the demand for suitable social amenities, a new clubhouse was built in 1962 on the site of our current clubhouse.
Rory McIlroy – Grand Slam Winner and Golfing Icon
In the town of Holywood, County Down, a young Rory McIlroy began a golfing journey that would take him from the fairways of his local club to the grandest stages in world sport. Born on May 4, 1989, McIlroy’s talent was unmistakable from an early age. By the time he was nine, he had already broken par at Holywood Golf Club, where he was a member from age seven and where his remarkable story took flight.
Holywood Golf Club played a defining role in Rory’s development — not just as a training ground, but as the place where he forged his swing, discipline, and competitive edge. Even today, the club proudly honours its most famous member, who still speaks of it as the foundation of his success.
As his career took shape, McIlroy quickly became more than a promising player from Northern Ireland — he became a symbol of pride for a new generation. With a natural flair, sharp focus, and confident demeanor, he rose through the amateur ranks and onto the global stage, where he would soon make history.
Rising Star, Soaring Career
Rory McIlroy’s breakout moment came in 2011 at the U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club, where he won by a stunning eight shots, setting a tournament record at 16-under-par. It was an emphatic arrival, showcasing not only his immense talent but his resilience after a final-round collapse just two months earlier at The Masters.
The wins kept coming. In 2012, he captured the PGA Championship at Kiawah Island, again by eight shots. In 2014, he lifted the Claret Jug at The Open Championship at Royal Liverpool, leading wire-to-wire. Just weeks later, he added another PGA Championship at Valhalla, his fourth Major before the age of 26.
For years, one prize remained elusive: The Masters at Augusta National. Close calls, heartbreak, and Sunday stumbles told the story of a title that seemed just out of reach.
But in April 2025, McIlroy finally completed the puzzle. With an inspired performance, he claimed the Green Jacket in a nerve wracking playoff with England’s Justin Rose. The victory made him only the sixth man in history to achieve the career Grand Slam, joining an elite group that includes Nicklaus, Woods, Hogan, Player, and Sarazen.
The Ryder Cup: Passion and Pride
McIlroy’s Ryder Cup legacy is as compelling as his individual success. Since his debut in 2010, he has been at the heart of Team Europe, playing with passion and pride in every edition. His emotional investment was on full display in 2021, when he tearfully spoke about how much the event meant to him after a tough week.
He bounced back in 2023, helping lead Europe to a triumphant win at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Italy — his fifth Ryder Cup victory, following successes in 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2018. Over seven Ryder Cups, he has played 28 matches, winning 14, halving 4, and losing 10 — a record of consistency and leadership.
As a senior figure in the team, Rory has become a mentor to younger players and a fiery presence in the team room, fully embracing the spirit of one of golf’s most cherished competitions.
A Legacy Beyond the Leaderboard
More than just a champion golfer, Rory McIlroy is a thoughtful and influential voice in the modern game. Outspoken on matters ranging from the direction of the sport to player responsibility and global tours, he has become a respected figure well beyond the leaderboard.
Yet despite the fame, trophies, and global success, Rory remains connected to his roots. He often reflects on where it all began — the fairways of Holywood Golf Club, the town that shaped him, and the people who believed in him before the world took notice.
From those early days in Northern Ireland to a career defined by brilliance, heart, and historic milestones, Rory McIlroy’s story is one of soaring ambition fulfilled — and the journey isn’t over yet.