April, 2026
Royal Portrush Members Newsletter
More Than Just A Club...
What it means to be the incoming captain
Brian Lockhart, the club's new proposed incoming captain, was once a member of a Castlerock team which defeated Royal Portrush in the Ulster final of the Junior Cup. It was here, close to the banks of the River Bann, where he took up the game, playing with his father David and his friends on balmy, summer nights, then spending hours on the putting green until he got the call to return home when darkness fell.
The family had a caravan beside the course. "I was hooked from an early age," he recalled. "Mum (Marion) and dad were members, but didn't really retain the same level of interest I had."
He was a member of the Castlerock team which defeated Portrush 3-2 in the Junior Cup final in 1997. He switched allegiance in 2009, going on to become the club's match and handicap convenor and then treasurer, overseeing the purchase and development of The Rosses, the luxury eight bedroom, self-catering house which overlooks the 4th fairway.
Brian, a chartered accountant, also has extensive business interests, as well as developing major private and commercial properties in and around the North Coast and Scotland. They include the Skerries caravan park, opposite the Dunluce links and a caravan park at the Maidens, near Turnberry on the Ayrshire coast.
He lives in Portstewart with his wife Linda, also a chartered accountant, son David and daughter Katie, pupils at Coleraine Grammar School. His sister, Carol Anne, died three years ago.
Brian said he was looking forward to the start of his year as captain which begins with his formal proposal at the club's AGM on April 26. He said: "It is being part of something special. Royal Portrush is not just a club. It's a place with incredible history."
Charity
Royal Portrush has donated £20,000 to two of the town’s main charities. Peter Glover at the RNLI, and Michele Sheridan who is heavily involved with Reach, an organisation with provides year round food support in the local community, were each presented with cheques for £10,000.
Club captain Nigel Pollock and Terry Dobbin, the club's financial controller, also entertained the pair to lunch. Nigel said: "These are two outstanding charities. Both of them do amazing work, and our club is delighted to support them."
Nigel Pollock & Michele Sheridan (Reach)
Nigel Pollock, Peter Glover (RNLI) & Terry Dobbin
Course Report
Graeme Beatt, Course Manager
Another wet couple of months on the north coast, but days are stretching now and temperatures have increased slightly. We have over-seeded the members range, Curran course, media centre area on the Valley 11th and many of the grass paths and worn areas around the links.
More rough than ever has been cut and scarified this winter and more aeration (Spiking/Hollow coring) than we have done before, just to get water off the surface and relieve compaction caused by golfers, maintenance and Open footfall. Over 5,000m2 of paths, tracks and worn areas have been returfed and new forward tees have been added to the Valley 14th & 18th.
The right-hand side of the Valley 14th was rotovated, reworked and returfed while adding the new forward tee, other areas which are out of play, like the track leading to a recycling area on the Valley have been re-turfed as they are visible from some areas of the links.
DAR Golf are now on-site building the new forward tees on Dunluce 4th where our team will complete irrigation and turfing work. Mounds will then be added to either side of the road between the 9th and 11th greens. Playing the 9th and 11th holes, these mounds should look as though they are all joined in with the new dune work around the Tavern.
The removal of the bushes has opened up the Tavern which gives the area a much cleaner look, some low dune has been added to the rear of the 9th green which screens the door on the side of the building.
The water station will be moved back into the dune, out of sight while playing, and the railway sleepers surrounding the building are being replaced, as well as adding a buggy space in the dune for Stevie. This work will be ongoing until early April, but it will look great once completed.
From early April rested areas will be opened. Much of the posts and rope will be removed and new cups, flags and flagsticks will be out as well as new bins and bag stands. For me this really marks the beginning of the season.
Arnie has been busy creating new signage for the Valley as well as building new bag stands for the front of the club shop. These are being made from railway sleepers and like our signage, will be bespoke to Royal Portrush Golf Club.
We currently have a trial with soil scout, using buried sensors at 3 varying depths in the 18thgreen to measure moisture, temperature, salinity and oxygen. Readings are sent to the cloud every 20 minutes, so it gives a very clear picture of the environmental changes throughout the day and how this may affect the turf. The idea would be to have the sensors in a number of areas on the links to save water and only water areas that actually require it.
Gerry Is United In His Admiration For His Winter League Winning Team
Gerry McAleese's Harry Vardons team were comfortable winners of this year's Winter League. They finished 12 points ahead of Galacticos, captained by Sam McGuinness, who edged out Alan Irwin's Designated Drivers into third place by just a point.
This was the second time in three or four years that Gerry has been in charge of a winning Winter League team and his squad was named after the six times Open Champion.
Finishing 26-under par for his five best rounds, Bruce MacFarlane was their stand out player, but there were others who also played a key role, according to Gerry. He likened Mark Blundell (11-under for his five rounds), Alan Patterson (10-under), Andrew Irvine (7-under) and Russell Houston (4-under), to Manchester United's famous midfield of Paul Scholes, David Beckham, Ryan Giggs and Roy Keane.
Gerry said: "We finished with a total 72-under par and that was an incredible score. I was surprised we ended up so far ahead. We started well and then had two great finishing weeks. Bruce was undoubtedly the superstar. Everybody contributed, but those four were the driving force behind the team. They were the heart-beat, and Alan Dunbar added some start dust as well."
He added: "Scoring in the Winter League is so good. Years ago, in the mid-late 70's it was over 18 holes, with no mats and the rough was still rough, and playing off the back tees a lot. It was much tougher then. "Nowadays it's off the front tees and we use mats. And because the scoring is so good, it is very difficult to win. It you're going to shoot a good score, then the Winter League is the time to do it."
The Harry Vardons. Back row from left, Richard McCrudden, Peter Reid, Richard Beggs, Alan Dunbar, Ewan Scott, Mark Blundell, Daniel Henry. Front left, Alan Patterson, Gerry McAleese, Nigel Pollock, (club captain), Tom Turner, (club president), Neal Morrison and Andrew Ervine.
Team Galacticos, runners-up in the Winter League. They are back row from left, Stephen McCartney, Robert Frame, David Irwin, Roderick Skelly, Colin McClenaghan, Hugh Black, Edward Bill. Front left, Peter Ludlow, Sir Richard McLaughlin, Nigel Pollock, (Club Cpt), Sam McGuinness, (Team Cpt), Tom Turner, (President) and David Ritchie.
Individual winner Bruce Macfarlane on the ski slopes
Made In China, Celebrated In Austria...
The Secret Of Bruce's Winter League Victory
Bruce MacFarlane, who celebrated his title as the new Winter League individual winner on the ski slopes of Austria, revealed how a set of cheap clubs from the far side of the world helped him on the road to victory.
Two strong finishing rounds left him on 166 points, just two ahead of Rod Leitch and five in front of Gary Martin who finished third after getting off to a dream start.
Bruce was unable to attend the presentation night after his wife Karen had booked a family skiing holiday before the date for the league dinner had been announced.
But as he recovered from a fall on his first day on the slopes at the resort of Bad Gastein, which left him needing stitches for an injured finger, he claimed the change of clubs transformed his game. He bought the set, manufactured in China, for just £300, replacing an old set he picked up years ago for a tenner at a charity shop in Coleraine.
High handicapper Bruce said: "Sometimes I'd be taking three to get off the tee box with a driver, but the new 3-wood made such a difference. "I was getting the ball away perfectly, finding fairways for a change and the scoring was good, especially on the final two outings.
"I've been playing a long time, but don't take it too seriously, although those new clubs (they also included 5, 7 and 9 metal woods as well irons) seemed to suit my game. Playing Portrush in the winter when you have the forward tees and mats, is so much different than in the summer, and that's obviously a big help for people of my standard."
Bruce, a director in the Coleraine based investment company, Capital Trust Financial Management, was on his way to Austria with his wife Karen, son Sam and daughter Freya, by the time members gathered for the prize presentation.
It was his first time to ski for 25 years and it almost ended on Day One of the trip when he fell and suffered a serious injury to the ring finger on his left hand. Bruce said: "It needed several stitches and I suppose I was lucky I didn't lose the finger completely. The medical people at the hospital did a good job, and thankfully I was able to get back on the slopes again. "
Winning Captain, Robert Aiken (Left), receives his award from Royal Portrush Golf Club Captain, Nigel Pollock
Down To The Wire
Aiken Edges The Captains' Prize
Meanwhile Rob Aiken won the team captains' prize with 132 points, narrowly beating Adrian Clarke on countback. In the race to the finish, he had to come from behind to win with 27 points over the 13 holes on the final round.
Rob said: "It was neck and neck. I got off to a good start and then Adrian took the lead. We kept ourselves honest. It could have gone either way. Both of us played very well."
Gary McNeill
Complimentary Coaching
In the hope we can bring home some silverware this summer, myself and our team of PGA professionals will be providing complimentary coaching each Saturday during the month of April for anyone representing a Royal Portrush team this season.
The coaching sessions will take place between 8.00 and 10.00am and again between 1.00 and 3.00pm both on the short game area and driving range. There is no need to register. The sessions commence on Saturday 4th April.
Down Under
Captain Nigel Pollock and his wife Frances making a presentation on behalf of Royal Portrush to Russell Ingram, Captain of Canberra Golf Club which celebrated its 100th anniversary. During a three week visit to Australia, Nigel and Frances also played at Royal Melbourne.
On a clear Saturday morning, there's nowhere else I'd rather be, than teeing up at the White Rocks on the Dunluce course. Royal Portrush is about the people, the tradition, and the privilege of playing and representing such a great club There's something very special about the Open and links golf. I've been fortunate to witness two recent Opens at my home course which makes it even more special.
Why is golf so important?"Golf has been part of my life since I was 10 years old. It gets me away from work, clears the head, and gives me a few hours of good company and fresh air at Royal Portrush Golf Club."
Your main aim in golf?"Would love to get my handicap back to single figures and play consistently to it. I once got it down to five, but it has been creeping up lately. I am getting lessons and going back to basics."
Favourite hole at Royal Portrush Golf Club"My favourite hole at Royal Portrush is the 5th on the Dunluce, White Rocks. Standing on that tee, with the Atlantic on your right and the coastline stretching away, it's as good a view as you'll get anywhere in golf. But it's not just the scenery, it's a proper test. The drive demands commitment, and the approach, especially when the wind is up, asks a serious question. It's a hole that rewards bravery but punishes doubt especially with a back flag position and on a clear Saturday morning, there's nowhere else I'd rather be."
Away from Royal Portrush Golf Club, favourite courses?"Two stand out for me. First would be Turnberry Golf Club. I just think the course is magnificent... the setting along the coast, the lighthouse, the quality of the holes one after another. It feels like a proper teat of golf, and you walk off appreciating how special it is. The other is Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas. I played there with Rob Aiken about 15 years ago. Completely different experience carved out of the desert, immaculate from tee to green. It almost doesn't feel real when you're playing it. A proper bucket-list course and one I'll never forget."
Toughest Course and why?"It has to be Carnoustie Golf Links. There's no hiding place there. If you're slightly off the fairway, you're punished. The bunkering is relentless, the wind seems to swirl rather than blow, and the closing stretch demands absolute concentration. You walk off feeling like you've been examined properly and usually found wanting. A magnificent course, but it doesn't give you much sympathy. I wanted to experience it after what happened to Jean van de Velde at the 1999 Open when he ended up in the Barry Burn. I was studying for my accountancy exams at the time, watching his calamitous finish on TV, and couldn't believe what was happening."
Do you have any superstitions or rituals?"Try not to wear the day to day wrist watch. I leave it in the locker. It's too much of a distraction."
Dream Golf Destination?"It has to be Augusta National. To walk those fairways, see Amen Corner with your own eyes, and experience the atmosphere you normally only see on television at the The Masters - that would be something truly special. It's the history, the exclusivity, and the perfection of the place. A proper pilgrimage for any golfer and maybe I'll try and attend next year.
"It was the final of Allison Trophy in 2019 when I started with 13 pars around Dunluce when Jonathan Todd and myself beat Gary Irwin and Andrew Park. That year we also won the Babington Trophy."
Hole in one?"I have had two. The 16th at Castlerock GC playing with my father David in a Saturday competition. He didn't play many Saturday competitions so it was one to remember, and the 2nd hole at Ballybofey and Stranorlar in Jimmy Bruen match playing alongside Jonathan Todd in 2021. Sadly we still lost our match."
Did you ever think of giving up golf?"I've never really thought about quitting. Even on the worst day on the links, when nothing goes right and the wind's howling, it's still better than a day at work. A bad round at Royal Portrush Golf Club still means fresh air, good company, and a walk by the sea. That's hard to beat."
Who introduced you to golf?"I first was introduced to golf by my late father David, playing with him and some of his friends usually on Tuesday evenings at Castlerock. The family had a caravan on the site of the course and I spent most of my summers playing or putting until darkness. I was hooked from an early age and have some great memories playing with the likes of Ken Young, Ronnie Downey, Jack Pinkerton and Stephen Graham."
Favourite golfer?"It has to be Rory Mcllroy, although I had an admiration for Nick Faldo. Growing up, I watched him grind out his Open wins. I watched every single shot. The patience, the discipline; the way he plotted his way round the course. It wasn't flashy. It was relentless. Rory gives you the excitement and flair. Faldo gives you the appreciation for resilience and major championship golf at its toughest."
Favourite tournament?"The Open Championship. Michael Cheevers, a good friend, and I were scoreboard operators when manual scoreboards were use at the 1995 and 1996 Opens at St Andrews and Lytham. I really fell in love with the tournament then. There's something very special about the Open and links golf. I've been fortunate to witness two recent Opens at my home course which makes it even more special."
Dream Fourball?"Playing with my son David, alongside Rory Mcllroy and Tiger Woods. Two of the greatest players of our generation, and to share a round like that with my son would be very special."
Slow play?"I am naturally a quick player. Some would say I'm too hasty sometimes over putts. Slow play feels painful. Golf flows better when it moves at pace. Standing on tees waiting for the fourball up front to hurry on, kills momentum and enjoyment. But it great to see Royal Portrush using the Tag marshal technology. This protects the experience for everyone. Systems like this keep things fair for everyone."
Other Sports?"I played table tennis, badminton and squash at Coleraine Inst. I have started playing padel regularly since it opened in Coleraine. I enjoy watching pretty much all sport on TV."
What does membership of Royal Portrush mean?"It is being part of something very special. Royal Portrush is not just a Club, it's a place with incredible history, great friendships and two of the finest links courses in the world. For me it's about the people, the tradition, and the privilege of playing and representing such a great club."
How do you see the club's future?"Royal Portrush is in a very strong position, both financially and in terms of the quality of our courses. Like any good club we can always improve, but with a great membership, and talented young golfers coming through, the future looks very bright."
Hole-in-one – The 2nd at Ballybofey, 2021
Double winners – Brian with Jonathan Todd
Brian & Family
At last year’s Open Championship – Wife Linda (second left) with friends Tara and Richard Cheevers and Jackie and Adrian Clarke.
Throw Your Hat In The Ring
CLYDE SHANKS, House & Social Convenor
Spring is here and the evenings are on the stretch. That means we are on the countdown to the start of this year's Hat.
Last year's Hat was a resounding success thanks in very large part to the great support from Members and the healthy numbers of guests that played through the series. Each week saw great turnouts for play and stay for dinner and the prizegiving.
This year we aim to make the Hat even more enjoyable. We will continue with the popular 13-hole handicap counting format with cards available from 3pm. There will be a weekly RPGC engraved shot glass presented to the best visitor score each Wednesday as well as some voucher prizes and 2s balls on the night for members
The much-coveted Hat glasses will be presented to the weekly winners at the HAT dinner which is in the diary for 9th September. In terms of dining, we will revert to the tradition of pre-ordering food from a weekly menu when taking your card in the club shop which will enable ease of service for the food and beverage team.
Once again, we thank all of our member sponsors for their support like last year each week has been sponsored which is a credit to the popularity of the event. The sponsors will be posted in the club nearer to the event starting. A reminder last card must be in and checked by Golf Ops by 8.45pm latest to facilitate prize giving each week at 9pm sharp.
It all gets going with week 1 on Wednesday 6th May. As per last year the iconic HAT trophy will be decided with the best six cards counting over the 17 weeks of the event. Good luck to everyone please show your support for this key social part of the Club's calendar.
GOLF OPERATIONS
ALAN DUNBAR, Golf Operations Manager
As we move into the season, there's plenty to look forward to around the club. The lan Bamford and Zara Bolton Scratch Cups take place on Sunday 12th April, followed by the return of visitors from Monday 20th April.
The Rosses is already well booked from the final week of April, and we look forward to seeing the house come alive again. The Hat will return on Wednesday 6th May, marking another step towards a full schedule of fixtures.
It will likely be towards the end of May before we have the driving range back at full capacity. Course is back to normal play now mats are finished and we have now moved back to full tees away from the winter course.
We appreciate your continued support and look forward to a busy and enjoyable season ahead.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
JOHNNY CURRAN, Hospitality Manager
As we reflect on the past few months, it has truly been a fantastic and memorable winter at the club. The clubhouse has been full of energy, laughter, and great company, and we are incredibly grateful to our members for continuing to support and enjoy everything the club has to offer. From fantastic dining experiences to well-attended social events and competitions, it has been a season that perfectly captures the spirit of our club community.
One of the most exciting developments has been the formation of several new dining clubs, allowing members to experience our chef's exceptional fine-dining tasting menus in a relaxed and social setting. These evenings have been extremely well received and it has been wonderful to see members embracing this new dining experience.
We have also enjoyed a number of successful member events recently, including our everpopular quiz night, a wonderful Valentine's evening, Six Nations Saturday specials, and our St Patrick's celebration. Local Irish traditional band ‘BRI’ provided entertainment in the Dunluce Room.
Alongside these, our Men's and Ladies' Winter League competitions have been in full swing, bringing plenty of friendly competition throughout the winter months.
Our Sunday Carveries have been particularly popular. Throughout March we hosted a carvery every week, and each one sold out quickly. It has been fantastic to welcome between 100-120 members every Sunday, creating a brilliant atmosphere in the clubhouse.
As we move into the spring months, we are excited to see the days getting longer and look forward to extending our opening hours as we prepare for the busy season ahead. There is plenty to look forward to, and we have a number of upcoming social events planned for members. Please keep an eye on your emails and club communications for details of what's coming up.
Thank you once again for your continued support, we look forward to seeing you around the club very soon.
SPRING READINESS: A FRESH SEASON IN THE SHOP
MAIRI HERALD, Sales Manager
Early spring offers the perfect moment to reset-not just your game, but your wardrobe as well. With new pieces arriving over the last few weeks, the shop has been carefully stocked with a selection of premium pieces. We are pleased to introduce new arrivals from Holderness & Bourne and Peter Millar, offering refined polo shirts and sophisticated layering options ideal for the variable conditions of early spring.
For those looking to ensure performance in all conditions, the latest outerwear from Galvin Green delivers exceptional protection without compromising freedom of movement. Their innovative fabrics are particularly well-suited to the unpredictable nature of spring golf.
New arrivals from FootJoy are also available now, with a focus on versatile performance pieces. From technical mid-layers to reliable polo shirts, the range is designed to provide comfort, mobility and consistency throughout your round.In addition, we are delighted to feature select knitwear from Johnstons of Elgin-timeless pieces that bring a touch of heritage and understated luxury to your golfing attire.
The exclusive members-only collection continues to perform strongly, supported by a wide selection in the men's range. New polo shirt additions from Fairway & Green have been particularly well received. Looking ahead, the women's members-only collection is set to expand in the coming months, offering a broader variety of styles and increased choice.
Supplier Spotlight: Galvin GreenBased in Vaxjo, Sweden, Galvin Green, have been developing premium high-tech golf apparel for more than 30 years. Their aim is to provide functional clothing designed to provide optimal comfort that will help golfers perform at the peak of their ability, in any weather. Galvin Green has always strived to help golfers play more golf, by providing apparel that makes you feel, and look good. Green by name and by nature, sustainability has been a long-standing commitment that's been integral to Galvin Green for over a decade. The Spring Summer 2026 product range that is available in store now is reflective of this, with many pieces made from recycled materials.
As you prepare for the months ahead, it's worth keeping a few points in mind:
- Layering is key: Conditions can change quickly, and versatile pieces allow you to adapt throughout your round.
- Stay dry, stay comfortable: Investing in reliable outerwear can make all the difference.
- Restock your essentials: The start of the season is the perfect time to refresh your go-to products including balls, gloves, headwear etc.
Our team is available to assist with selections, whether you're updating your wardrobe, preparing for competition play, or simply looking for something new for the season ahead.
We look forward to welcoming you into the shop in the coming weeks, and please feel free to stop by before your next round for a closer look at the latest arrivals.