| Club Name | Royal County Down Golf Course |
| Designer | Old Tom Morris; George Combe; Harry Vardon; Harry Colt |
| Par | 71 |
| Type | Links |
| Length | 6,587 Metres / 7,204 Yards |
| Website | |
| Club Address | 36 Golf Links Rd, Newcastle BT33 0AN, United Kingdom |
Situated south-east of Northern Ireland’s capital of Belfast, lies Royal County Down Championship Links (RCD). The golf course is rated by Golf Digest as the best in the world. Getting a tee-time is more of a challenge than the golf course is to play; advanced booking is a must. The course is wedged on natural links terrain between the town of Newcastle, The Irish Sea, whilst the Mountains of Mourne Loom over the complex. A traditional Irish Links Course, there is little wonder why it is considered best in the world by locals and international golfers; it must be played at least once in your life. Royal County Down Golf Club traces its roots to 1889, and the golf course was designed by Old Tom Morris which opened on March 23, 1889. Enhancements over the years from golf legends including James Braid, J.H. Taylor, Harry Vardon and Harry Colt.
To play Royal County down with the famous spire of the next-door Slieve Donard Hotel looming over the back nine is enchanting. Non-member golfers are welcomed on select days, and caddies are mandatory. The Golf Club is just a short drive from a beautiful Irish gem, Ardglass Golf Club. Golfers can enjoy a Royal County Down and other Irish gems by attending the annual Newry, Mourne & Down Trophy, which allows you to play Portmarnock Links, Ardglass and Warren Point Links. If travelling south to Dublin after playing Royal County Down, be sure to stop off at County Louth and The Island golf courses.
The narrowest ribbons of fairways thread their way through as impressive a set of sand dunes as could be imagined. The fairways are surrounded by purple heather and golden gorse, so beautiful to look at but so punishing for any who may stray from the prescribed path. The тАШbeardedтАЩ bunkers are world-famous and feature overhanging lips of marram, red fescue and heather. The greens are fast, and many are domed, rejecting any shot lacking conviction. This is a true test of any playerтАЩs command of the traditional bump and run, the preferred way to play any links. The ninth hole is one of the most photographed holes in world golf. A 486-yard par 4, it is played from one side of a huge mound down to a fairway some 60 ft below and 260 yards from the tee. From the bottom of the slope the second shot is played over two bunkers to a raised green.
Widely considered the finest of all links courses, it offers a stern challenge from the championship tees. The record is 66 set by IrelandтАЩs first golfing superstar, Jimmy Bruen, in 1939. From the Stableford tees, it offers golfers of all standards the opportunity of playing a truly great course with dramatic panorama of the surrounding mountains and coastline. The number of blind tee shots and unforeseen challenges demands caddies accompany golf groups at Royal County Down; their fees are payable directly on your day of play. A visit to Royal County Down in Northern Ireland’s Newcastle is essential as a golfing pilgrimage at least once in your lifetime.
Murlough Bar and Dining Room
After your round, why not enjoy a drink in the Murlough Room, which has views of the 18th green, the 10th tee and the Mountains of Mourne. The bar and dining room offer visiting golfers the opportunity to relax in comfort after their round. A menu which includes both light snacks and more substantial meals, all freshly prepared, is available throughout the day, as is the fully licensed bar.
Locker Rooms
MenтАЩs and ladiesтАЩ locker rooms for visitors are equipped with individual lockers allowing for clothes and other items to be stored, and there are full shower, washroom and restroom facilities. They have excellent drying facilities.
Caddies
Visiting golfers appreciate the services provided by caddies at Royal County Down Golf Club. The Championship Links is challenging with several blind drives. The caddies are experienced and will add considerably to the enjoyment of your round, particularly for first time visitors. Advance requests for caddies are encouraged at the time of booking. Caddies are independent contractors, not in the employment of Royal County Down Golf Club and therefore Voyages.golf or Royal County Down cannot guarantee caddie availability.
BOOK YOUR GOLF TRIP WITH VOYAGES.GOLF
Planning a golf trip shouldn’t be harder than playing the course itself. Voyages.golf is an International specialist golf travel agency, built by golfers for golfers who want access to the world’s best courses without the booking headaches. Our services go well beyond golf, with curated travel services creating the best package to suit your needs as described by our thousands of travellers.
Our Approach
We handle the details so you can focus on your game. Every itinerary is custom-built around the courses you want to play, with accommodation, transfers, and logistics coordinated to maximise your time on the greens. No budget stay-and-play, no minimum group sizes, no automated responses – just personalised service from golf travel specialists who understand what makes a great golf trip.
Our Services
Every Voyages.golf package starts with a minimum of two nights’ accommodation paired with your golf rounds, then builds from there based on your needs. Our comprehensive services include:
Tee Time Access
Championship courses – worldwide. We’ve built relationships over 10+ years that secure tee times many can’t access.
Hand-Picked Accommodation
Every hotel, resort, and lodge is selected based on three criteria: location near your courses, genuine comfort after 18 holes, and whether we’d stay there ourselves. No endless scrolling through reviews – we’ve done the research and know what works for golfers.
Complete Logistics Management
Golf clubs on flights. Vehicles with proper storage. Multi-course routing that doesn’t waste your day driving. Caddie requests. Optional additions like wine tours, golf lessons, or non-golfer programs. We coordinate everything so your trip flows seamlessly from arrival to departure.
No Minimum Numbers
Solo traveler? Foursome? Corporate group of 20? We welcome bookings of any size. Every golfer deserves exceptional service regardless of party size.
Real People, Real Expertise
Contact Voyages.golf and you’ll speak with experienced golf travel specialists – not call centers or chatbots. We’re golfers who’ve played these courses, understand seasonal conditions, and genuinely care about creating trips you’ll remember. We’re available to answer questions, refine itineraries, and provide support before, during, and after your journey.
Ready to Play?
Whether you’re targeting Australia’s championship courses, planning an international golf pilgrimage, or organizing a weekend escape with friends, Voyages.golf transforms your golf travel plans into reality. Contact our specialist team today to start designing your perfect golf experience.
How to Book Your Golf Trip
Every Voyages.golf experience is custom-made to your specificationsтАФno two itineraries are identical. To ensure we secure the best tee times and accommodation, especially at high-demand courses and destinations, we recommend starting the booking process well in advance. We will advise you on the best booking windows for in-demand locations.
Before reaching out, it helps to have clarity on your preferred travel dates and confirmed group members (who’s definitely in, who’s still deciding). This allows us to move quickly when availability opens at sought-after courses.
Our 5-Step Booking Process
1. Enquire
Contact our team with your ideal travel window, preferred courses or destinations, group size, and any special requirements. The more detail you provide, the better we can tailor your itinerary. Keep in mind that popular courses and travel periods book out months in advance; early enquiries give you the best selection.
2. Book
Once we’ve designed your perfect itinerary and you’re ready to proceed, we’ll send a detailed invoice. We accept multi-currency payments via credit card or direct bank transfer, making both domestic and international bookings straightforward and secure.
3. Travel
Experience the golf trip we’ve meticulously planned for you. Our team remains available throughout your journey for any support, adjustments, or assistance you might need with the latest digital travel app to support your group throughout.
4. Share Your Experience
We’d love to hear how your trip went. Share your experience on social media (tag us @voyagesgolf), leave a review, or send us photos from your trip to be featured. Your feedback helps us continually improve and helps fellow golfers discover their next great adventure.
5. Stay in Touch
Once you’ve traveled with Voyages.golf, you’re part of our community. We’ll keep you informed about new course partnerships, exclusive travel opportunities, and seasonal recommendations for your next golf getaway.
Ready to Start Planning?
Contact Voyages.golf today. Let us know when you’re thinking of traveling and which courses are on your bucket listтАФwe’ll take care of the rest.
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