Fortwilliam Golf Club is located on Downview Avenue in north Belfast. It consists of an 18-hole course with a par of 70. The course is bordered by Cavehill on one side and Belfast Lough on the other. The club was formed in 1891 and is the oldest golf club in Belfast. The course was originally located about a mile from its current location, but as a result of Belfast's expansion, the club moved to a new site and established a 9-hole course. The course was expanded to 18 holes in 1923 when a deal was made with Sir Harold Gray to secure the land to the north side of Gray's Lane, resulting in nine holes on each side of the lane. The holes on the north side, however, were found to be too cramped and Charlie Pope, the club's professional, redesigned the course with 11 holes on the south side and 7 on the north side. This is essentially the course that is played today.
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