Royal County Down Golf Club, Newcastle

The course and its history

The club was founded in 1889 by a group of Belfast business and professional men, and the links has been shaped by a line of designers including Old Tom Morris, George Combe, Harry Vardon and Harry Colt. The Championship Links is a par 71 of more than 7,000 yards from the back tees, with the Mountains of Mourne as a backdrop and the Irish Sea alongside the opening holes. It is known for blind shots – the 9th drive is played over a crest to a fairway around 60 feet below – and for natural bunkering through the dunes. It hosted the Curtis Cup in 1968, the Senior British Open from 2000 to 2002, the Walker Cup in 2007 and the Irish Open in 2015. The shorter Annesley Links is the club's second course.

Booking and visitor practicalities

Visiting golfers can play the Championship Links on Monday, Tuesday and Friday, on Thursday mornings and on Sunday afternoons. Tee times are limited, and bookings are made through the Secretary's Office rather than an open online timesheet. The clubhouse has been extended and includes a well-stocked professional's shop.

Getting there

Newcastle is roughly 30 miles south of Belfast, so plan it as a full day out. The club is at 36 Golf Links Road in the town.

Highlights

• Founded in 1889; links shaped by Old Tom Morris and Harry Colt
• Ranked 1st in Golf Monthly's UK & Ireland Top 100 for 2025/26
• Hosted the Walker Cup (2007) and Irish Open (2015)
• Played beneath the Mountains of Mourne

Good to know

• Day trip: about 30 miles south of Belfast
• Visitor days are Mon, Tue and Fri, Thu mornings and Sun afternoons
• Tee times are limited – book through the Secretary's Office
• Expect blind tee shots, notably at the 9th

Frequently asked questions