Balmoral Golf Course

The proposed new golf course at Ballylesson will be carefully integrated into the existing landscape, with the natural topography guiding the placement of its key features. By working with the site’s hills, valleys and existing contours, the design will create a series of holes that flow seamlessly with the existing terrain. The vision is to create a classic, strategic, and enduring golf course that reflects Balmoral’s heritage while elevating it to a modern championship standard capable of attracting members, visitors, and competitive events.

A Sustainable-led Golf Development

The proposed Ballylesson golf course is being designed to meet high international sustainability standards, working towards Golf Environment Organization (GEO Certification).

This globally recognised certification ensures the course is planned, built and managed in an environmentally responsible way. Sustainability is built into every stage of the project, from design through to construction, so opportunities to protect and enhance the site are fully considered.

Positive Environmental Outcomes

The development aims to deliver clear, measurable benefits for nature and water management:

Biodiversity: Enhancing habitats across the site, supporting native species and increasing ecological diversity.
Hydrology: Protecting and improving natural water systems, including nearby rivers and streams.
Water Management: Introducing modern drainage and surface water systems to improve water quality and create new habitat areas.

Site Access

The access point will be relocated approximately 190m south-west of the existing entrance on Ballylesson Road to ensure safe access to the site.

The course will be designed by Paul McGinley, a well-known international golfer and former Ryder Cup Captain. He is an internationally respected golf course architect, with over €200 million worth of global design projects in his portfolio.

“Ballylesson will be a truly classic and timeless golf course—rooted in tradition—embracing a minimalist philosophy, where the land itself shapes the game. Its natural contours, subtle nuances, and sustainable design will create a pure and enduring test, one that honours the origins of golf and preserves its authenticity for generations to come.” Paul McGinley.

Existing Balmoral Golf Course

Our vision

Our proposals for the site have been designed to bring significant and lasting benefits to Lisburn and the wider area of Northern Ireland, including;

Significant Investment into Heritage Asset

The project will invest into the heritage asset of New Grove House, preserving its identity whilst renovating it into a modern clubhouse.

Aligning to National and Regional Strategies

The Ballylesson Project is well aligned with the long-term ambitions set out in the Lisburn and Castlereagh Community Plan and the Tourism Strategy and Action Plan.

Growing New Membership

The club’s future vision includes expanding its membership and attracting visitors whilst the upgraded facilities are expected to generate and support wider economic effects in the Lisburn & Castlereagh region.

Preserving and Growing a Historically Significant Club

The project will ensure the Club continues to play a meaningful role in Northern Ireland’s golfing landscape, preserving its heritage while enabling investment.

Delivering Sustainable Development

The new golf course will be among the first in Northern Ireland to meet the standards of the Golf Environment Organisation Certification (GEO) from inception – an internationally recognised sustainability accreditation.

Continuing to support Golf Tourism

Golf tourism generated £86.2m for Northern Ireland in 2024, more than doubling over the past decade. These visitors spend 2–4 times more than typical tourists, and the Ballylesson development can help attract this high-value market to the Lisburn and Castlereagh area and beyond.

Get in touch

If you have any questions, the project team is available using the contact details below.

Contact: Cavendish, 17-25 College Square East, Belfast BT1 6DH
Email: ballylessonroad@consultationonline.co.uk
Tel: 0800 066 8943 (This number operates as a voicemail service. Please leave your details and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.)