Overview

Royal County Down was originally laid out in 1889 by ‘Old’ Tom Morris from St. Andrews. However, if you reflect on the marvellous collection of green sites, you appreciate that Mother Nature was the principal architect at Newcastle.

The course enjoys a magnificent stage-like setting as it stretches out along the shores of Dundrum Bay.

It is also one of the most challenging, with great swathes of heather and gorse lining fairways that tumble beneath vast sand hills, and wild tussocky faced bunkers defending small subtly contoured greens. Nick Faldo described the magnificent par 3 fourth as his favourite hole on this superlative links. Tom Watson describes it as “…a tremendous test of golf. The outward half especially is as fine a nine holes as I have ever played.”

What the experts say:

“The ‘Royal’ moniker is the first indication this is no ordinary layout and a very special experience is in store for any with the good fortune to be playing it…not only living up to its regal designation, it exceeds it. Outstandingly handsome, it’s ranked among the top ten in the world…designated as Ireland’s best each of the past dozen years… the undisputed King of Irish golf. ….not for the faint of heart – it demands ability, strategy and a fearless approach.” David Brice, Golf International Inc.

“The sternest examination in golf I had ever taken.” Herbert Warren Wind, New Yorker

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Tell us about your experience

Championship Links

  • Par: 71
  • Max Length (Men): 7181yds
  • Max Length (Ladies): 6243yds
  • Year Opened: 1889
  • Designer: Tom Morris
  • Manager:
  • Pro: Kevan J. Whitson

Visitor Playing Days
Visiting golfers are welcome on the Championship Links on:

  • Monday, Tuesday and Friday – morning and afternoon
  • Thursday – morning
  • Sunday – afternoon

Buggies
The terrain of the links is such that buggies are not permitted. Caddies are available – see below

Caddies
Visiting golfers appreciate the services provided by caddies at Royal County Down Golf Club. The Championship Links is challenging with several blind drives. Our caddies are experienced and will add considerably to the enjoyment of your round, particularly for first time visitors. Advance requests for caddies are encouraged at the time of making a golf booking. Caddies are independent contractors, not in the employment of Royal County Down Golf Club and therefore we cannot guarantee caddie availability. Please note the majority of our caddies are senior caddies and that is what the Caddie Master will provide for most visiting golfers. Our aim will be to provide one caddie for each player but at busy times when demand is high we may have to ask one caddie to carry two bags ().

  • Senior Caddie –
  • Standard Caddie –
  • Fore-Caddie (per group) –

Please note that all caddie fees must be paid in cash at the completion of the round directly to the caddie.

Caddies are self-employed and although we will do our best to meet requests for caddies, we cannot guarantee availability

What can you expect from your caddie?

Senior Caddie

  • Courteous and Helpful
  • Genuinely interested in your golfing experience at Royal County Down
  • Will attend the flag as requested
  • Will repair divot marks
  • Will rake bunkers
  • Will keep your clubs clean and dry
  • Will do his best to mark balls hit off the fairway
  • Will give accurate distances to the front of the green
  • Will give lines when putting
  • Will have knowledge of the course and its history and matters of interest
  • Will advise on clubbing through the green

Standard Caddie

  • Courteous and Helpful
  • Genuinely interested in your golfing experience at Royal County Down
  • Will attend the flag as requested
  • Will repair divot marks
  • Will rake bunkers
  • Will keep your clubs clean and dry
  • Will do his best to mark balls hit off the fairway
  • Will give accurate distances to the front of the green
  • Will give lines when putting

Fore-Caddie

  • Will provide accurate lines for tee shots
  • Will have knowledge of the course and its history and matters of interest
  • Will advise on clubbing through the green
  • Will give yardages and read putts for all players in group

Choice of Tees
The following options are available from May until mid October:

  • Blue Tees 7186 yards.
    The Blue Tees require carries of 250 yards.
    Slope Rating 142
  • White Tees 6878 yards.
    The White Tees require carries of over 200 yards.
    Slope Rating 131
  • Yellow Tees 6641 yards.
    The Yellow Tees require carries of 175 yards.
    Slope Rating 126
  • Green Tees 6249 yards.
    The Green Tees are used by many senior golfers
    Slope Rating 122
  • Red Tees 6249 yards.
    Red Tees have been rated for womens qualifying competitions and general play.
    Slope Rating 148

We hope that these options will enhance the playing experience of visitors. Please note that the Course Marshal has the authority to ask players to move to easier tees if their position on the links is not being maintained.

Playing Groups
All visitors are asked to note that play on the Championship Links will be in 4 ball groups and any group booking less than 4 players should be aware that it is likely that they will be joined by other golfers to make the group up to 4 players.

Morning Play
The Club requires visitors playing in the early morning from 7.30 to 8.30 am to take at least one caddie in the group. If caddies are not pre-booked, the Club will arrange for a minimum of one fore-caddie to accompany each group. The cost of a fore-caddie will be and the payment must be made in cash to the caddie at the end of the round.

Refund Policy
There will be no refunds of deposits or any other green fee payments.
A number of golf travel insurance policies are available which include cover for cancelled green fees and the Club would encourage all visitors to consider taking out travel insurance when making a booking.
In the event of cancellation by the Club due to weather conditions or other circumstances, the prepaid amount will be refunded on request in full.

Bad Weather
When lightning or other dangerous conditions occurs, players will be asked to leave the links and take shelter. Any visitors who fail to comply with such a request remain on the links at their own risk.

Tee Positions
The Tee Markers positions are reviewed each day by the Greenkeeping Staff taking into consideration of many factors including links maintenance and weather.

Speed of Play
The Course Marshal has the complete authority to ask players to move to easier tees in the event that the group’s position on the links is not maintained.

Dress Standards
Players are expected to wear an acceptable standard of dress:

For Men

Players are expected to wear an acceptable standard of golfing attire when playing the Championship Course or the Annesley Links. The following examples are unacceptable at all times:

  • Denim Jeans and Jackets
  • Sleeveless or collarless shirts
  • Untailored shorts and cargo shorts
  • Sweaters without shirts
  • Garments displaying slogans
  • Track or Leisure Suits

For Women
Players are expected to wear an acceptable standard of golfing attire when playing the Championship Course or the Annesley Links.  The following examples are unacceptable at all times:

  • Blue Denim Jeans and Jackets
  • Tee Shirts without sleeves – unless with collar
  • Short shorts
  • Garments displaying slogans
  • Track Suits or Leisure Suits or Leggings
  • Trainer shoes or runners
  • Shirts hanging loose over trousers or shorts and trousers legs tucked into socks.

NOTE: Knee-length or sports socks should be worn with tailored shorts. In the interest of safety, golfers are advised to wear golf shoes.
NOTE: In the interest of safety, golfers are advised to wear golf shoes.
The Club reserves the right to refuse access to the Clubhouse or Course to anyone dressed inappropriately.

Location

Skyscanner Flight Booking Service

Click the image below to start searching SkyScanner for low-cost flights for your golf holiday from your local airport.

To save money on your golf holiday, The Golf Travel People recommend using our partners at Skyscanner to book your flights to your golf break destination. Please use the bespoke flight search engine to book the best priced flights to your preferred golf travel gateway airport.

  • Use Faro Airport in Portugal for the Algarve and also the Huelva region of the Costa de la Luz
  • Use Jerez/Seville/Gibraltar/Malaga airports for the Cadiz/Jerez region of the Costa de la Luz
  • Use Alicante/Murcia/Almeria airports for the entire south eastern region of Spain
  • Use Girona or Barcelona airports for the north east of Spain including the Costa Brava
  • Use Antalya Airport in Turkey for golf holidays in Belek, Turkey
  • Use Las Palmas Airport for golf holidays in Gran Canaria
  • Use Tenerife South Airport for golf holidays in Tenerife, unless you can source any flights to Tenerife North for Melia Hacienda del Conde and other resorts in the north of the island.
  • Use Tenerife South Airport for golf holidays in la Gomera and use the excellent Fred Olsen ferry service from Los Cristianos to San Sebastian port in La Gomera

Deals

Highlights

Royal County Down Golf Club

Ireland
  • Tough, but pure golfing challenge
  • A true bucket-list golf course
  • Wonderful dunes location
  • Classic links golf
  • Do not miss the chance to play!

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