Ronan Valley Golf Course, located just outside of Magherafelt, presents a unique public golfing facility. Opened in 1997 by Jackie Fullerton, this 1525 yards par 30 parkland course, designed by Frank Ainsworth, is ideal for both the golfing beginner offering a perfect introduction to the game, as well as the developed golfer wanting to improve their short game. However no golfer will find it easy, with the record standing at 3 under par. A record that has been held for more than 4 years!
Most of the holes have a combination of mature and developing trees on them, providing a good visual presentation of the greens. The challenge and difficulty of the course comes from the streams, ponds and trees with strategicaly placed bunkers and lush rough.
Some of the greens in Ronan Valley are huge, presenting an interesting dilemma to player who like their shots on the wrong side of the green. Some of the green side bunkers are deep and require well-played shots to escape.
The course has run many successful competitions in the past. The highlight of our 1999 Anniversary competition was Peter Friel winning a Peugot 206 with a hole in one!
Although Ronan Valley Golf Course as we know it today was opening in 1997, the land was also a golf course in the 1920's. It was extremely popular with the professionals of the town until it closed before the outbreak of the Second World War.
Ronan Valley takes its name from the Ballyronan Road and the fact that it is situated in a narrow valley created by a tributary of the River Moyola.
The most recent modification of Ronan Valley is the addition of a 10th Hole. What was previously a flax dam is now the 5th hole. At present the course is prospering with a province-wide reputation as a challenging and enjoyable golfing experience.
Over the years, Ronan Valley has been host to many events. One such event was when TV personality, Gerry Kelly, played to raise money for the Phoebe Lyle Trust. Other past events have been the Kieran McKee Memorial, in addition to our Aniversary competition. We are also host to sporting club fundraisers for local soccer teams, the GAA and rugby clubs; as well as a training facility for local primary, secondary and special schools.
We where recently featured in the belfast telegraph. Click here to view the article.