In a history spanning over a century, Royal County Down Golf Club has established a mighty reputation and is now widely regarded as the world's second-best course.
As one of the capstones in Northern Ireland links golf, Royal County Down assumes a stunning location in the Murlough Nature Reserve with the Mountains of Mourne providing a dramatic backdrop that adds yet further to the experience.
As a past host of The Walker Cup, The Amateur Championship, The Curtis Cup and The Senior Open, Royal County Down has been at the forefront of both amateur and professional golf.
2015 saw The Championship Links welcome The Irish Open, hosted by Rory McIlroy, with Denmark's Soren Kjeldsen triumph in a playoff against Bernd Wiesberger and Eddie Pepperell after being tied on -2 after 4 rounds of golf..
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Set against the backdrop of the spellbinding Mountains of Mourne, the links land at Royal County Down seems heaven sent for golf, and there are few more incredible places to enjoy a game. The layout was devised by Old Tom Morris, whose name will forever be inextricably linked to St Andrews, and is a pure test of links golf.
Most recently used for the Irish Open in 2015, Royal County Down is etched in the list of the most desirable courses anywhere in the world, and has garnered praise from the loftiest of golf's stars; Open Championship legend and links golf master, Tom Watson, said: "It is a tremendous test of golf and the outward half especially is as fine a nine holes as I have ever played."
STATS
Par: 71 (men), 76 (ladies)
Designed by: George L. Ballie, Old Tom Morris, Harry Vardon, Harry Colt
Opened for play: 1890
Previously hosted: Walker Cup (2007), Curtis Cup (1968), The Home Internationals (1933, 1957, 1999), Senior Open Championship (2000, 2001, 2002), Irish Open Amateur Championship (1921), Irish Seniors' Open Amateur Championship (1985),
Did you know? Peter Alliss said of the course- 'The best prepared links that I have ever seen'.
TEES
Championship: 7186 yards, SSS 75
Medal: 6878 yards, SSS 74
Stableford: 6675 yards, SSS 73
Ladies: 6249 yards, SSS 77
Royal County Down is ranked as one of the best courses in Ireland
Spanning the same turf as the hallowed championship course is the Annesley Links. Royal County Down's second layout is just as spectacular, but is not as challenging - the Annesley is very much a course to be enjoyed by everyone. Packed full of character, the Annesley is the perfect complement to the main event.
STATS
Par: 66 (men), 67 (ladies)
Designed by: George L. Ballie, Old Tom Morris, Harry Vardon, Harry Colt
Opened for play: 1890
TEES
Stableford: 4682 yards, SSS 65
Medal: 4420 yards, SSS 63
Ladies: 4322 yards, SSS 61
The 9th hole on the Championship course is one of the most photographed holes in golf. From the tee, you are greeted with spectacular panoramic views and beyond the line of the hole lies the magnificent Slieve Donard Peak. However, while beautiful, the 9th also stands the test as a challenging and thought provoking golf hole. The long par 4 starts with a blind tee shot to a fairway guarded by densely covered dunes either side. From there, it is important to hit the small green on the approach, since bunkers front, right and left mean that any miss could lead to trouble. The undulating green provides a great finish to a hole which will satisfy even the most demanding of golfers, both through its beauty and the challenge it presents!
Happy to finally play this famous course, which is ranked No. 1 in the world by the authoritative Golf Digest magazine. The course marshal/starter was super friendly. We hired a caddie, & he was fabulous. Very beautiful course!
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