Together they approached Captain John Harrison, the Laird of Holywood, who generously gave permission for a golf course to be laid out free of rent on his land at Kinnegar, Holywood. These frontiersmen of golf wasted no time and the first 18-hole competition took place over the new 6-hole course on Boxing Day 1881. In 1885 the Club became Royal†after the Prince of Wales (Subsequently King Edward VII) was invited to become its Patron during a visit to Ireland. The current Patron is HRH Prince Andrew, Duke of York. What are believed to be the first golfing trophies in Ireland, early Royal Belfast Golf Club monthly medals, are today on view in the clubhouse. In 1892, as the game grew in popularity, the course became overcrowded and the Club relocated to a new 9-hole course in Carnalea, near Bangor. Club life was peaceful and prosperous and the fine Club spirit which prevailed has endured to the present day.
