Royal County Down is currently rated by many as the best golf course outside the United States.

Royal County Down Golf Club is located in Newcastle, about an hour south of Belfast. There are plenty of hotel choices in town, but if you want the best stay at the Slieve Donald hotel, directly adjacent to the course.

Royal County Down Golf Club has two 18 hole links courses, Championship Links and Annesley Links.

Playing at Royal County Down

You can’t just show up at Royal County Down and get out on the course. It is often fully booked and you need to reserve your spot well ahead of time. Your green fee needs to be paid no later than one month in advance. If you are fewer than four, you will most likely be paired up with other players. With all four-balls on the course, you may think play is slow, but the generous 12-minute starting interval means that play mostly flows smoothly.