A Message from our 2026 Captain
Dear Members 63 years after first joining St Patrick’s Golf Club I am deeply honoured and excited at being your Captain, an honour made the sweeter by the fact that my wife of 51 years was also elected to serve as Lady Captain this year. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our outgoing Captain Robin, Honorary Secretary Paddy for all their hard work and dedication to the club and welcome our new Secretary Barry to the team along with ongoing Hon. Treasurer Michael, I look forward to working with them and the council to the betterment of the club, and to my Vice-Captain Paul, I look forward to us being a good team on behalf of St Patrick’s Golf Club. Many thanks to Joe Torney who stepped into the Hon. Sec. role to help in the run-up to the AGM (Many thanks Joe) In my year of office and I have three goals I would like to pursue:- 1. An equal rights format for all members, and with that in mind, as the Ladies have an away day, I will be running one for the men on 28th May at Ardee Golf Club at which I hope I can depend on your support. (Details from the Pros Shop in due course) 2. The upgrading and modernising of our course with a view to our Centenary in 2030 3. Attending and enjoying as many of the club functions as possible, but most of all getting to know you all much better. May I now talk to you as Chairman of the Course Development Committee, as many of you will have seen the work we started at the 10th and 11th holes has had to been brought to a halt due to unforeseen financial constraints. The 11th hole will be reinstated into a playable condition for this season, but I can assure you that when finance is in place the redevelopment will continue with a view to be completed for our centenary in 2030. Finally on behalf of myself and the Lady Captain may I wish you all the very best for the coming season, and can we all look forward to a new and top class era for the game we love, and most of all, the very best for St Patrick’s Golf Club. Yours in Golf Phil Posnett (Captain 2026)
Let’s Talk About Slow Play: Keeping the Pace at St. Patrick’s Golf Club
At St. Patrick’s Golf Club, we pride ourselves on offering a relaxing, enjoyable experience for golfers of all levels. But nothing disrupts the flow of a great round quite like slow play. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply enjoying a casual round with friends, maintaining a steady pace is essential for keeping the course enjoyable for everyone. In this blog, we’ll look at what causes slow play, why it matters, and how every golfer—regardless of skill level—can help keep things moving. Why Does Slow Play Matter? Golf is a game of patience, but unnecessary delays can frustrate fellow players, stack up tee times, and spoil the overall rhythm of the day. While it’s perfectly fine to take your time over a tricky shot or a challenging green, the key is to balance focus with awareness of the groups around you. At St. Patrick’s, our aim is for a fourball to complete 18 holes in around 4 hours. That’s enough time to enjoy the course, take in the views, and play thoughtful golf—without holding up the field. Common Causes of Slow Play While many of these habits come from good intentions, over the course of a round, they can add 30–45 minutes or more. Simple Tips to Speed Up Your Round Here are a few easy ways to keep your pace of play steady: We’re All in This Together Slow play isn’t about pointing fingers—it’s about awareness and shared responsibility. At St. Patrick’s, we’re proud of our friendly, respectful golfing culture. Keeping up with the group in front, staying aware of pace, and encouraging good habits ensures everyone has the chance to enjoy their round to the fullest. Final Word Golf should be challenging, fun, and fair—not frustrating. By playing at a good pace, you’ll not only enjoy your round more, but also help others do the same. Let’s work together to keep St. Patrick’s Golf Club a welcoming, well-paced course for all. See you on the fairways—and thanks for keeping things moving.
Discover “Everest” – The New Dining Experience at St. Patrick’s Golf Club
We’re delighted to welcome a fresh and exciting addition to the clubhouse at St. Patrick’s Golf Club, Downpatrick – the brand-new Everest Restaurant, now open and serving a delicious blend of Nepalese and European cuisine. Whether you’ve just finished a round or simply want to enjoy a top-quality meal in a relaxed setting, Everest offers a warm welcome, bold flavours, and something on the menu for everyone. A Taste of Two Worlds Everest brings together the best of both culinary traditions: fragrant, authentic Nepalese dishes, inspired by the Himalayan region, alongside a selection of well-loved European classics. From traditional curries and dumplings (momos), to expertly grilled steaks, pastas, and light bites, Everest offers a unique fusion of flavours without losing the comfort of your favourites. Expect freshly prepared ingredients, vibrant spices, and generous portions—perfect for refuelling after 18 holes or gathering with family and friends for a casual evening out. Why You Should Try Everest Whether you’re after a quick lunch, a sit-down meal, or something to impress your guests, Everest offers a level of variety and quality rarely found in a golf club setting. Open Now – Book Your Table! The restaurant is open 7 days a week, with flexible hours to suit golfers and non-golfers alike. You don’t need to be playing a round to enjoy what Everest has to offer—everyone is welcome, and we encourage members to bring family and guests along. Walk-ins are welcome, but we recommend booking in advance during peak times, especially at weekends. 📅 Opening Hours: 📍 Location: Inside the main clubhouse, adjacent to the bar 📞 Bookings: Call the clubhouse or book at the reception desk Be Among the First to Try It Everest is more than just a new menu—it’s part of our ongoing mission to make St. Patrick’s Golf Club a welcoming, social, and vibrant place for all members and their guests. Early reviews from those who’ve already dined have been fantastic, and we can’t wait for more of you to experience it. So why not treat yourself this week? Whether it’s a bowl of rich chicken curry, a sizzling grill, or a hearty pasta dish, Everest awaits. Come for the golf. Stay for the food.
New TrackMan Simulator Arrives at St. Patrick’s Golf Club – Now Available for Hire!
We’re excited to announce the arrival of our brand-new TrackMan golf simulator, now available for members to hire at £30 per hour. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your swing, test your game on world-famous courses, or simply enjoy a fun, weatherproof round with friends, the TrackMan experience brings cutting-edge golf technology right here to St. Patrick’s Golf Club, Downpatrick. This is a major addition to our club facilities and part of our ongoing investment in offering members the very best in year-round golf. What is TrackMan? TrackMan is the world’s leading golf launch monitor and simulator, trusted by hundreds of Tour professionals and top coaches around the globe. It uses dual-radar technology to deliver ultra-precise data on every shot you take—capturing ball speed, carry distance, club path, angle of attack, spin rate, and more. Whether you’re practicing your wedge control or bombing drives down virtual fairways, TrackMan gives instant feedback that helps you improve faster—and have more fun doing it. Key Features: Perfect for All Golfers Whether you’re a scratch golfer chasing marginal gains, or a beginner looking to build confidence, the simulator caters to all skill levels. It’s also a fantastic way to introduce new friends or family members to golf in a relaxed, indoor setting. Plus, it’s great for junior members, winter practice, or even small group bookings for casual competitions or coaching sessions. Booking Details Each session comes with a quick introduction to the system if it’s your first time. It’s easy to use and incredibly accurate—and once you’ve tried it, you’ll be hooked. More Than Just Practice Our TrackMan simulator isn’t just for solo practice. Why not: Final Thoughts The addition of the TrackMan simulator is another step forward for St. Patrick’s Golf Club as we continue to modernise, evolve, and offer even more value to our membership. It’s fun, it’s powerful, and it’s ready for you. To book your session or find out more, contact the Pro Shop today or visit the members’ area online. Swing smarter, play better—rain or shine.
Course Etiquette at St. Patrick’s Golf Club: Play with Pride and Respect
At St. Patrick’s Golf Club, Downpatrick, we take great pride not only in the quality of our course, but also in the respectful and welcoming atmosphere that defines the golfing experience here. Whether you’re a seasoned member or a first-time visitor, understanding and practicing good golf etiquette ensures everyone enjoys their round—and helps protect the course for future play. Here’s a guide to the key etiquette standards we uphold at St. Patrick’s Golf Club. 1. Respect the Pace of Play Golf is meant to be enjoyed—but keeping up with the group ahead is essential. At St. Patrick’s, we encourage all players to maintain a steady pace to avoid unnecessary delays on the course. Pro Tip: Aim to complete your round in 4 hours or less for a fourball—faster groups are always appreciated. 2. Repair and Restore Maintaining the course is a shared responsibility. Simple actions from every golfer go a long way: Our greenkeeping team works hard to present the course in top condition—let’s do our part to keep it that way. 3. Respect Other Players Golf is a game of honour, integrity, and sportsmanship. Show respect for those around you at all times: If you’re playing in a competition, ensure all scorekeeping and rules are followed correctly. 4. Dress Code and Clubhouse Standards St. Patrick’s maintains a traditional but relaxed dress code both on the course and in the clubhouse: On the Course: In the Clubhouse: Respecting the dress code reflects pride in the club and sets the right tone for all players. 5. Phones and Devices Out of courtesy to fellow golfers, mobile phone use on the course should be limited to essential calls only. Please switch devices to silent mode and take calls away from tees and greens. Final Thoughts Golf etiquette is about more than rules—it’s about creating an enjoyable experience for everyone on the course. At St. Patrick’s Golf Club, we value tradition, respect, and community. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just enjoying the walk, playing with etiquette ensures that every round is memorable for all the right reasons. We thank you for observing these simple standards—and we look forward to welcoming you to the fairways of Downpatrick.
