Royal County Down Golf Club Championship Course: Review, Green Fees, Tee Times and Key Info

Royal County Down Championship Golf Course Key Information

A combination of a towering mountain range in the backdrop on many holes and the Irish sea flanking the opening three makes for visual appeal that is hard to surpass.

Now over a century and a quarter old, this fabled links in Newcastle on the County Down coast is not only one of the best links courses in the UK but also one of the best on the planet, ranking 1st in Golf Monthly's list of the top 100 golf courses in the UK&I.

RCD, as it's sometimes known, boasts a truly impressive roll call of architectural influences through the ages, starting with Old Tom Morris who first extended the links to 18 holes back in 1890. Since then, Harry Vardon, Harry Colt, Donald Steel, and most recently, Martin Ebert, have all stamped their mark on this truly magical place.

The club boasts arguably the most spectacular setting of any of the UK and Ireland's traditional links. The Mountains of Mourne provide a glorious backdrop throughout with the sea to your right as you head out over a stirring opening stretch. When the gorse is in bloom, there’s no lovelier place to play.

The Championship course provides an exhilarating, yet challenging rollercoaster ride through the dunes via blind tests and some gloriously natural bunkering. Among a strong cast of standout holes are the tough par-3 4th, played from an elevated tee, and the wonderful 9th, with its blind drive back towards town via a hidden fairway some 60ft below. There’s always a real sense of anticipation both here and on the 11th as you stride over the crests to see if your drive is as perfect as your eye saw it.

Some of the most recent changes have included the filling in of the triangular pond a little way short of the 17th green, which some found a little incongruous, and the lowering of a dune ridge on the 2nd to facilitate a better view up to the green.

While some modern-day golfers may rail against blind shots and holes, surely even the most ardent ‘see it all in front of you’ campaigner will get a huge thrill making their way around this breath-taking links.

The club is also home to the short but delightful Annesley Links, which also ranks among the best golf courses in Northern Ireland.

What The Top 100 Panel Said

Chris Boakes

The true player who can craft all manner of shots is the only likely victor on this ultimate links test. There are numerous standout holes, but the first par 3 at the 4th sums up everything on offer with a 200-yard carry over gorse and heather and rippling green undulations and run-off areas, all finished off with a multitude of bunkers. Simple brilliance in the use of the natural terrain.

Nicholas Hercules

RCD is a very fair test of golf. The bunkering is highly visual on the eye and plays a large part in framing many a hole. There is a stunning set of par 3s, all at varying distances, the shortest of which is full of peril. The links is forever turning and twisting, which just adds to the delight as one hole is as majestic as the previous.

Royal County Down Golf Course Location

Royal County Down Championship Course Green Fees

Contact the secretary's office to book

Royal County Down Championship Course Scorecard

Best Courses Near Royal County Down

ARDGLASS  
Ardglass is a clifftop, seaside beauty embracing glorious views, delicious variety and the sort of extras that deliver a perfect cherry-on-top. How about the oldest clubhouse in the world (built on and around the ruins of a 13th century castle) and cannons behind the 1st tee, perched on the water’s edge?

ROYAL COUNTY DOWN - ANNESLEY
Too easily forgotten when compared to the mighty Championship course, the Annesley still has much to offer. With a par of just 66 (six par 3s and no par 5s) and conditioning equal to its big sibling there has never been a better warm-up act.

For all the best courses in the area check out our Best Golf Courses in Northern Ireland article.

Best Places To Stay Near Royal County Down

Slieve Donard -  Book now at Booking.com
With stunning views of the County Down coastline and superb spa facilities, including a 20-yard pool, the four-star Slieve Donard stands in six acres of grounds leading to the Royal County Down Golf Club.

Burrendale Hotel Country Club & Spa - Book now at Booking.com
A four-star accommodation offering with a spa centre, garden, free private parking and a restaurant and bar.

Hillyard House Hotel - Book now at Booking.com
Set in Newcastle, Hillyard House Hotel features a shared lounge, restaurant, bar and free WiFi throughout the property.

Royal County Down Championship Course Gallery

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Tournaments hosted at Royal County Down

• Irish Open - 2015
• The Walker Cup - 2007
• The Amateur Championship - 1970, 1999
• The Curtis Cup - 1968
• Irish Seniors' Open Amateur Championship - 1985, 2005
• Open Championship of Ireland - 1928, 1935, 1939
• Irish Open Amateur Championship - 15 times between 1893 and 1959
• The Home Internationals - 1933, 1957, 1999
• Irish Professional Championship - 1909, 1914, 1929, 1954
• Irish Ladies' Close Championship - 10 times between 1896 and 1961
• Irish Close Amateur Championship - 10 times between 1894 and 1996
• The Ladies' British Open Amateur Championship - 8 times between 1899 and 2006
• The Senior Open Championship - 2000, 2001, 2002

ROYAL COUNTY DOWN Championship Course HISTORICAL TOP 100 RANKING UK&I

• 2023/24 - 1
• 2021/22 - 1
• 2019/20 - 4
• 2017/18 - 3
• 2015/16 - 2
• 2013/14 - 2
• 2011/12 - 2
• 2009/10 - 4

Frequently Asked Questions