Championship Links at Royal County Down - Newcastle, Northern Ireland

Course Review: Championship Links at Royal County Down - Newcastle, Northern Ireland

Just half an hour's drive from Belfast, Royal County Down is considered by many to be Ireland's premiere golf club. The club's coastal setting and its commitment to maintaining a near-perfect course condition has made it famous beyond Ireland's borders, with Golf magazine ranking it number six in the world. Here is a quick tour of this remarkable golf facility.

Royal County Down has a history that stretches back to 1889, when a group of prominent Belfast businessmen founded a golf club on the outskirts of town. The club retains its prestigious roots to this day, and is one of the most exclusive in the British Isles, known for its excellent golf offering and refined atmosphere.

However, Royal County Down has always operated according to a visitor-friendly policy in the tradition of Irish hospitality. The club avoids being too exclusive or intimidating towards guests, making it a perfect stop on any serious golfer's tour of Northern Ireland.

The Championship Links, one of two courses at Royal County Down, was built in a nature reserve, set between the sea and the Mountains of Mourne. This beautiful location sets the scene for eighteen holes of enjoyable golf – with a challenging twist here and there. Unlike many parkland-style courses in North America, the Championship Links features narrow fairways which require a lot of accuracy off the tee – club selection is very important on this course, and it's always best to err on the side of caution.

The so-called bearded bunkers are another feature of the course, with strategically-placed bunkers which have various local flower varieties growing on their overhanging edges. These bunkers are challenging to play but add uniqueness to the course design, making a round of golf at Royal County Down a truly memorable experience.

Royal County Down welcomes visitors on most days of the week, but bookings are essential. Players may visit the club's website for more information.

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