Royal County Down Golf Club

Royal County Down Golf Club is located in one of the world’s most naturally beautiful links settings in the Murlough Nature Reserve. With the Mountains of Mourne behind it, the Championship Links run along the shore of Dundrum Bay. It provides a different view from virtually every hole. The club was founded in 1889.

Layout of the Royal County Down Golf Club

The narrowest ribbons of fairways thread their way through a set of sand dunes. Purple heather and yellow gorse surround the fairways. These features make the course more attractive but harder to play if you miss the fairway.

The course is 7,206 yards from the blue tees and plays to a men’s par of 71. It offers a stern challenge from the championship tees yet remains easier from the Stableford tees for golfers of varying standards.

There is also a second course, Annesley Links, on the same grounds.

Challenges at Royal County Down Golf Club

The famous “bearded” bunkers have overhanging lips of marram, red fescue and heather. These hazards require precise recovery shots.

The greens are fast, and many are domed. They reject any approach that lacks confidence. Success requires the ability to play the traditional bump-and-run shot, the preferred method on a links terrain.

Blind tee shots and undulating fairways further test a player’s judgement and nerve throughout the round.

Signature Holes on the Championship Course

The ninth hole stands as one of the most photographed holes in golf. You tee off on this 486-yard par 4 from the top of a huge mound, sending your shot down 60 feet to a fairway 260 yards away. From the bottom of the slope, the second shot must carry two bunkers to reach a raised green.

The fourth hole also ranks among the course’s finest. From an elevated tee, it’s a long par 3 of 229 yards from the championship markers. The view is stunning, with many gorse bushes and multiple bunkers protecting a long, narrow green. The green drops off sharply on both sides and at the back, making it hard to keep the ball on.

Facilities at Royal County Down Golf Club

The clubhouse provides facilities for members and visitors. The Murlough Room offers a bar and dining area with views of the 18th green and the Mournes. A pro shop supplies equipment, apparel, and clubs for hire. Locker rooms include towels, toiletries and drying facilities. Caddie services, club hire and electric trolley hire support the playing experience.

Hosted Tournaments

Royal County Down has a strong history of hosting major events. The course has staged the Walker Cup, the Curtis Cup, the Amateur Championship, the Senior Open Championship and multiple editions of the Irish Open. The course record of 66 was set by Ireland’s Jimmy Bruen in 1939.

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Royal County Down Championship Links is a challenging golf course in a beautiful, natural setting. Its natural setting, quality and demands create an unforgettable experience for every visitor.