Going for Golf

Royal County Down

Ranked joint number one in the world by the new Rolex World’s Top 1000 Courses, Royal County Down is the leader of the pack, but Royal Portrush, Portstewart, Castlerock, Lough Erne and the many golf courses of Belfast can make for many rewarding golf trips. Those who have been lucky enough to visit the region – which has hosted The Open Championship (in 1951 at Portrush and, so far, the only time it has been to Ireland) and also the Senior British Open – are only too aware that the appeal of the area lies not only in the quality of the golf courses, but also in the value of the complete package: first-class accommodation, great restaurants, lively bars, stunning scenery, value for money and always genuine hospitality.

The quality is undeniable, from the world-famous Royal County Down and Royal Portrush to the hidden gems of Belvoir Park and the cracking Castlerock links.

Royal County Down is one of the oldest clubs in Ireland, situated in Newcastle, where in the immortal words of songwriter Percy French “The Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea”. There are two courses: the renowned Championship Links and the
slightly less-daunting Annesley Links.

The Championship course is absolutely stunning as it weaves its way though gorse, heather and sand dunes and it’s almost impossible to pick out any hole above the others – but the third is extraordinary; the fourth is a great par-three, while the fifth, eighth and ninth, especially the ninth, are simply magnificent par-fours. On the back nine, the 10th is a great short hole, while the 13th and 15th stand out, and the 18th, with its 24 bunkers, is a suitably frightening finish.

All in all, Royal County Down is a fantastic course with superb views and the smashing town of Newcastle is within walking distance.