Set against the backdrop of the spellbinding Mountains of Mourne, the links land at Royal County Down seems heaven sent for golf, and there are few more incredible places to enjoy a game. The layout was devised by Old Tom Morris, whose name will forever be inextricably linked to St Andrews, and is a pure test of links golf.
Most recently used for the Irish Open in 2024, Royal County Down is etched in the list of the most desirable courses anywhere in the world, and has garnered praise from the loftiest of golf's stars; Open Championship legend and links golf master, Tom Watson, said: "It is a tremendous test of golf and the outward half especially is as fine a nine holes as I have ever played."
Did you know? Peter Alliss said of the course- 'The best prepared links that I have ever seen'.
Signature hole-No. 9 (Championship): Par 4, 485 yards, SI 5
The 9th hole on the Championship course is one of the most photographed holes in golf. From the tee, you are greeted with spectacular panoramic views and beyond the line of the hole lies the magnificent Slieve Donard Peak. However, while beautiful, the 9th also stands the test as a challenging and thought provoking golf hole. The long par 4 starts with a blind tee shot to a fairway guarded by densely covered dunes either side. From there, it is important to hit the small green on the approach, since bunkers front, right and left mean that any miss could lead to trouble. The undulating green provides a great finish to a hole which will satisfy even the most demanding of golfers, both through its beauty and the challenge it presents!
Royal County Down is ranked as one of the best courses in Ireland
Course Information
| Par |
71 |
| Designed by |
George L. Ballie, Old Tom Morris, Harry Vardon, Harry Colt |
| Opened for play |
1890 |
| Previously hosted |
Walker Cup, Curtis Cup, The Home Internationals (1933, 1957, 1999), Senior Open Championship, Irish Open Amateur Championship, British Seniors' Open Amateur Championship |
Tees
| Championship |
7,186 yards |
SSS 75 |
| Medal |
6,878 yards |
SSS 74 |
| Stableford |
6,675 yards |
SSS 73 |
| Ladies |
6,249 yards |
SSS 77 |
Spanning the same turf as the hallowed championship course is the Annesley Links. Royal County Down's second layout is just as spectacular, but is not as challenging - the Annesley is very much a course to be enjoyed by everyone. Packed full of character, the Annesley is the perfect complement to the main event.
Course Information
| Par |
66 |
| Designed by |
George L. Ballie, Old Tom Morris, Harry Vardon, Harry Colt |
| Opened for play |
1890 |
Tees
| Stableford |
4,682 yards |
SSS 65 |
| Medal |
4,420 yards |
SSS 63 |
| Ladies |
4,322 yards |
SSS 61 |
Irish Open history at Royal County Down
Royal County Down has held the Irish Open five times, it was the 2nd course chosen to host the event after Portmarnock.
The Irish Open at Royal County Down
| Year |
Winner |
Country |
Score |
| 2024 |
Rasmus Højgaard |
Denmark |
-9 |
| 2015 |
Søren Kjeldsen |
Denmark |
-2 |
| 1939 |
Arthur Lees |
England |
287 gross |
| 1935 |
Ernest Whitcombe |
England |
292 gross |
| 1928 |
Ernest Whitcombe |
England |
288 gross |
