When you look at the World’s Top 100 Golf Courses, as almost all golfers do, there are courses which almost always feature in the top 10, if not the top 5. Pine Valley, Cypress Point and Royal County Down. I have been fortunate to play Cypress Point, and Andrew Wood, World’s Best Golf Destinations founder has played Pine Valley.
So on my latest tour of Ireland, it was wonderful to finally get to visit Royal County Down. A course I had heard so much about and I was finally going to experience and see what all the fuss was about.
Location is Everything
Tucked beneath the hauntingly beautiful Mourne Mountains and sweeping down to the edge of Dundrum Bay, Royal County Down Golf Club is more than just a round of golf. It’s a spiritual pilgrimage for any golfer who appreciates the essence of links golf. The Championship Course, consistently ranked among the best in the world, offers a golfing experience that is humbling, exhilarating, and unforgettable all at once.
From the moment you arrive in the charming seaside town of Newcastle, County Down, the air feels different. Maybe it’s the salty breeze rolling in off the Irish Sea, or the looming silhouette of Slieve Donard casting a long shadow across the dunes. Either way, you know you’re somewhere special — a place where golf and nature meet in a way that’s almost mystical.
A Course Steeped in History and Prestige
Founded in 1889 and designed originally by Old Tom Morris, Royal County Down has undergone careful refinements over the years, most notably by Harry Colt. Yet it has lost none of its wild, natural charm. In fact, the fairways here still look like they were laid down by the hand of nature, not by man.
Royal County Down has hosted countless prestigious events, including the Irish Open, the Walker Cup, and the British Amateur. But despite its global fame, it retains a quiet dignity — no flash, no fuss. Just golf in its purest form. There are five sets of tees to choose from. The ‘shortest’ at 6249 yards and the longest at 7206 yards. The members tees at 6641 yards are probably the longest you want to play unless you are a scratch or better player.
Fair Warning
If you are not a lover of blind shots then Royal County Down is probably not for you, unless you take a caddie. On the first three holes, there are four blind shots. The second shots on the first and 3rd and both the tee shot and the second shot on the second.
We have chosen to feature the fourth hole, for obvious reasons, and the eighth and ninth holes on the front nine for what will become obvious reasons.
The 4th hole
Standing on the 4th tee, you’ll see why this course is revered. The hole measures 202 yards and is without doubt, the toughest par 3 on the course. If you can’t carry the ball over 190 yards you will need to play from another tee. Apart from a sliver of fairway left of the green there is no bailout. Miss hit your tee shot and you are in the gorse. Hit it fat and you are in the bunkers. Make a three here and it might just make your day.
The 8th hole
After another couple of blind tee shots on the 5th and 6th holes, the 8th hole is the only par 4 on the front nine where you can see all of the hole laid out in front of you. And what a hole it is. Off the tee your line is the furthest fairway bunker on the left. Hit the fairway and it’s a slightly uphill second shot to the green. This hole is stroke index 1 for a reason. Miss the fairway off the tee and your chances of making a par are slim to none. A cracking hole.
The Signature Hole — And Then Some
Your blind tee shot
The 9th is the signature hole, and rightly so. A stunning par 4 of 427 yards, your line off the tee is between the spire and the centre cut of the fairway. Once you get to the top of the ridge, you get to see the rest of the hole in all its glory.
The view of the approach to the 9th green
If you have been fortunate enough to find the fairway over the ridge, you will be left with a medium iron to the green. The green is guarded by a couple of bunkers short and the dune on the right. Take note of where the flag is as there is a couple of clubs difference between a front pin and a back pin.
The Back Nine — Every Bit as Fierce
If you’re expecting a gentler walk home, think again. The back nine is a relentless test of precision and nerve. Sure, there are not as many blind shots but the holes are still just as tough. We have chosen to feature the 13th, 16th and 18th holes on the back nine.
Your tee shot on the 13th hole
The 13th hole is a strong par 4 of 423 yards. Your line off the tee is slightly left of centre. Unless you hit it 300 yards on that line, your second shot will be blind. Walk up to the top of the mound to get a visual on the green. There is a marker pole to help you with your line, behind the green.
View back down the 13th hole
Trust your yardage on the second shot. If you have any doubts, err to the right side as the slope feeds your ball down towards the green. This hole is stroke index 2. Make a par here and run to the next tee.
One of the Few Birdie Chances
The 16th hole
At only 300 yards, the 16th is the shortest par 4 on the course. Going right is not an option. Bunkers and deep rough await. The line off the tee is the deep bunker on the left. Finish short of that on the fairway and you might just have a good line into the pin for your pitch. Anywhere else and you will struggle to make par on the easiest par 4.
The Finishing Hole
Your tee shot on the 18th hole
The 18th is the longest hole on the course at 528 yards from the members tees. Just when you think you are finished with the blind shots, you can’t see the green from the fairway. Our advice is to play this as a three shot hole, unless you can hit it 300 yards off the tee.
View from behind the green on the 18th hole
If you can leave your second shot, on the fairway and within 75 yards of the green, you may with a good pitch, have a chance of a closing birdie. Go for the green in two and go offline, you will struggle to make 5. A fitting closing hole to a fabulous golf course.
In Our Opinion
Royal County Down delivers exactly what you would expect from a world class golf course. You’ll feel like you’ve just come through an epic test of golf. Tired? Yes. But mostly, you’ll feel grateful — to have played here, to have walked this hallowed ground.
What makes Royal County Down special isn’t just the shot values or the scenery — it’s the way it makes you feel. This is a course that demands your full attention, punishes your mistakes, and rewards your courage. But it never feels unfair. It’s golf as it was meant to be: raw, elemental, and deeply connected to the land.
A Must-Play for Any Golfer
If you’re planning a golf trip to Ireland or Northern Ireland, make Royal County Down a priority. Yes, it’s expensive. Yes, it’s hard to get a tee time. But it’s worth every effort.
It’s not just one of the best courses in Ireland — it’s one of the best in the world. And when you walk off the final green, tired but grinning, you’ll understand why.
Royal County Down, it’s been a privilege. We will not forget you.
Where to Stay
The Avoca Hotel
We stayed in Newcastle at the Avoca Hotel. It’s situated about 3/4 of a mile from the golf course. If you are fortunate to get a room at the front, the views are outstanding. Looking out over the promenade and out over the bay.
Our room
The Avoca Hotel is popular with visiting golfers as it’s not as pricey as some of the other hotels. The rooms are very comfortable and each has its own unique styling. There’s a lively bar downstairs with great food on offer. We think this is a perfect option for visiting golfers.
The roast beef salad
When you travel around Ireland as much as we have done, you will find that your food comes in what we would describe as a healthy portion size. This is ideal for the hungry golfer after a day on the golf course. At the Avoca, the food is superb and the menu choices are as plentiful as the portions.
Breakfast in the Avoca Hotel
After a great nights sleep, we went down for a late breakfast. As I normally do, I had the cooked breakfast. Again, it was superb and it will certainly be enough to set you up for your day on the links. It was a perfect end to a wonderful stay at the Avoca Hotel.
Thank You
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the Royal County Down General Manager, Bill Donald for allowing us to visit. Our thanks also go to the Head Professional John Murray and his team in the professionals shop for looking after us.
Thank you also to Siobhan and Nicola at the Avoca Hotel for having us stay. The pleasure was ours and we hope to visit again in the near future.
At a Glance
- World class championship venue
- 36 holes of pure links golf
- Large practice area, multiple putting greens
- Large well stocked pro shop with brilliant staff.
- Excellent clubhouse with views over the course and the bay
- Visit the Royal County Down website here
- Visit the Avoca Hotel website here
Jim Callaghan CCM is a former Club Manager with experience overseeing several top Scottish Golf Clubs.
Now, as European Editor of Golf Operator Magazine and World’s Best Golf Destinations, he shares insights into club operations and his golfing adventures across Europe.
Jim is also an Ambassador for premium clothing brand Fenix Xcell Clothing and also for the Spanish local DMC, Costa Verde Golf.
If your club/resort or brand wants to reach over 400,000 golfers, contact Jim at [email protected] or call 0044 (0) 78522
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