History of the Course

Rockmount Golf Course, Established 1991

A parkland 18 hole, par 72, championship standard course

The Rockmount dream began in the early 90’s when Robert and Diane Patterson decided to turn part of their farmland near Carryduff into an eighteen-hole championship standard golf course, which would include a modern clubhouse with a top quality restaurant and bar facilities.

The planning permission became the hardest obstacle to conquer, and when this had finally been achieved work in earnest on the Rockmount Enterprises Limited project commenced in the summer of 1991. Four years later the fairways had been sown, the greens and tee boxes had been built and laid, and the bunkers and water hazards were carefully planned and constructed.

The course was ready, all 18 holes, 6,373 yards, par 72. It featured three long par 3’s and one short par 3, four par 5’s and 10 par 4’s. Designed and built to ensure the land’s natural elements are incorporated throughout, the course offers amazing variety at every turn. The Clubhouse features an excellent bar and restaurant, a members bar, a golf shop, a conference room, and men’s and ladies locker room facilities.

The course officially opened on May Day – Monday 8th May 1995, when European Ryder Cup player Darren Clarke performed the opening ceremony and then played in a four-ball when he partnered Robert Patterson to a 2 and 1 victory over European Tour player Raymond Burns and sports presenter Mark Robson. A large following of spectators enjoyed the occasion, and the course officially opened to the Rockmount Golf Club Members the next day.

Over the intervening years Rockmount Enterprises Limited have continually added to and improved both the course and the clubhouse. On the course more bunkers and water hazards together with hundreds of trees, some of which are mature, have been introduced to make the course a real test of golf.

When the Club officially opened the total full membership of both Mens and Ladies was 400, today the full membership is 700, which includes a thriving Juvenile section.

Rockmount Golf Club is one of the few golf clubs, which recognises equal membership and playing status for men and ladies, an arrangement which has proved to be most acceptable as both the mens and ladies sections are successful within the club and their inter-club competitions.

During the intervening years the course has matured rapidly. The Clubhouse has had a large extension added to the Members area, and a continual drive for improvement to the course, has resulted in Robert and the Green-keeping staff adding a large number of new features, and hazards, to ensure the course remains a true test of golf.

These changes in recent years have included the construction of new bunkers on the 2nd, 5th, 6th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 14th and 17th. A large number of existing bunkers were reshaped on the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 10th, and 15th.

A considerable number of large developed trees were added to strategic areas throughout the course causing the golfer some tricky approach shots to the 6th, 8th and 15th greens in particular.

Water plays its part in the design of the course with new hazards being added around the 5th, and 6th greens, a large drainage ditch now crosses the 13th fairway, and a small pond is situated in front of the 14th tee boxes.

If all this is not enough, there is no relief from staked trees so you must play your ball as it lies. There is no doubt that Rockmount is an excellent test of golf, and one that you are sure to enjoy. After your round the Clubhouse offers excellent dining and bar facilities and a warm welcome is assured.

Enjoy your round and we trust that this yardage book will help you avoid the traps which wait to capture those wayward shots.

Play Video

Celebrating our 25th Anniversary

In May 2020, we would have marked a weekend of celebration at the club. However, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, we were unable to.

So instead here is a short video, with a few familiar faces, says why Rockmount is special to them.

Thanks to all who appear in the video hope you enjoy it.