Royal County Down- Championship Course (European Tour Venue)

Royal County Down- Championship Course

Royal County Down Golf Club was founded in 1889 after land was provided by the Annesley Estate beside the seaside town of Newcastle. An initial nine-hole course was created before Old Tom Morris visited later that year and advised on an eighteen-hole layout, which was ready by 1890. George Combe later developed the routing further, while Harry Colt redesigned much of the front nine in 1926.

The Championship Links stretches to 7,206 yards and is set between Dundrum Bay and the Mourne Mountains. Towering dunes, narrow fairways, thick heather and challenging bunkers create a difficult test, while several blind tee shots add uncertainty throughout the round. Strong coastal winds and raised greens place great importance on accurate driving and straight shots.

Royal County Down championship course is considered to be one of the best in the world currently ranking 1st in Great Britain and Ireland and 3rd Globally by Top 100 Courses. It has hosted the Walker Cup in 2007, Irish Open in 2015 and 2024 and numerous Irish Amateur Championships.

Useful Information

No specific public maximum handicap is currently stated in the Club's visitor information, although the Championship
Links is an exceptionally demanding course and visitors should have a proficient level of golf
Visitor tee times are available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays during the main season.
Availability for the Championship course is limited
Every visiting group must have at least one caddie. If one has not been pre-booked, the Club will arrange a forecaddie
Electric trolleys and hire clubs are available
Buggies cannot be accommodated on the Championship Links
Traditional golf clothing is required. Blue denim, collarless T-shirts, cargo shorts, tracksuits, leggings, flip-flops and sliders are not permitted

Click here to contact us for information on golf packages including a round of golf at Royal County Down- Championship Course.