Royal County Down Golf Club,
Newcastle, Co. Down

LOCATION - North East Ireland.

ARCHITECT - Tom Morris.

DESCRIPTION - Each golf course these days has one particular hole called a 'signature' hole. If Northern Ireland had a signature course then Royal County Down Golf Club would be it. Nestled in the huge sand dunes beside the sleepy town of Newcastle where the Mountains of Mourne in all their technicolor and glory rise up from the Irish Sea, this Championship Course is a golfing feast of banqueting proportions.

The legendary Tom Morris laid out this course in 1889 and was paid four golden guineas for his work - a paltry sum even for those days - but, as he said at the time, it was already 90 per cent to being a golf course long before he put in tees, greens and bunkers. This was probably the first links course with two loops of nine starting and finishing at the clubhouse. Before, it was nine holes out and then nine holes back. Five blind tee shots on any other course would be a flaw but here they enhance the reputation of a course which all aficionados reckon to be in (at least) the top three in the whole of Europe.

Founded in 1889, the course offers an exhilarating challenge to even the most experienced golfers. The setting of this links course is continually remarked upon for its outstanding beauty. The fact that the course has five blind tee shots and several partially obscured approach shots makes it all the more formidable a challenge to play. This is in addition to its bunkers which have caught many a wayward shot. Professional golfers from all over the world rate Royal County Down as one of the best. After playing it you will realise why!

COURSE DETAILS - Par 71, - SSS 73, - Length 6,969 Yards.

CADDIES - Caddies available by prior arrangement. Caddy cars also available.

CARTS - No carts permitted except in extreme medical circumstances.

DRESS - A jacket and tie are required in the clubhouse, with the exception of the Centenarary Bar. Shorts may not be worn unless accompanied by knee high socks.