2-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2009; Royal County Down was voted the No. The Irish Open Amateur Championship was held at the course on fifteen occasions, before the competition was discontinued in 1959. 1 Links/Shoreline Course in Ireland by "Backspin" Irelands leading Golf magazine in 2008, the panel comprised of a selection of 52 Professional and amateur golfers throughout Ireland; Royal County Down (Annesley Course) was voted the No. Write Review: Upgrade: Claim: ROYAL COUNTY DOWN, LLC is a Connecticut LLC filed on October 21, 2004. The recently extended clubhouse at Royal County Down now houses a professional's shop. Besides leaving his mark at Royal County Down, Combe was also instrumental in the development of golfs first handicap system. So we do work very hard at it, and thats why we have the staff presentation is very important to us. At 4,500 yards it is much shorter than the Championship Links but is popular with many of the local members and visiting societies. So in terms of the typical golf club it is different. Secretary until 1890 and the first Captain was Mr. Armar Loery-Corry. I manage the members of Royal County Down and I manage the commercial aspects. What is your background? Members understand that the visitor revenue is important to the club. [3] She went on to serve as Deputy State Attorney General, working in the Department of Children and Families. Borough Offices. 4,617 yards (4,222 m) Royal County Down Golf Club is a golf club in Northern Ireland, located in Newcastle, County Down. 88-ranked golf course in Ireland, by Irish Golfer in 2023 (Down-1); Royal County Down (Annesley Course) was voted the No. Jill McAuley lost her match on the 19th, while Vickie McWilliams went all the way to the 24th and Anita McCaw won her match by 4 and 3. The huge dunes, oceanside location, beautiful (but tricky) layout and the aura of greatness combined to make us all fall in love with this course. The shorter drive will require an accurate second to escape the well-placed bunkers leaving an approach of 100 yards. I think with the involvement of Rory McIlroy and the Rory Foundation, and now the title sponsor Dubai Duty Free, its going to be a massive event. The Championship Course at Royal County Down can be an extremely difficult course, especially when the wind gets up. Alison Coffey won the top match by 1-hole. Those that still exist today are sometimes criticised, but it was Tommy Armour that said, "There is no such thing as a blind shot to a man with a memory," and on the brow of the hill at the 9th even the most insensitive will pause to cherish one of the most stunning, and most often photographed views in golf. Royal County Down tee times generally become available in May of the year prior to play. They were drawn against Munster Champions Douglas in the All-Ireland Semi-Final the team was Alison Coffey, Emma Dickson, Anita McCaw, Vikki McWilliams and Jill McAuley. The four star Slieve Donard Resort and Spa in County Down offers 181 comfortable and FINE DINING AT THE OAK RESTAURANT Classical fine dining at the Slieve Donard Resort a Overlooking a windswept Irish Beach, the Spa at Slieve Donardis an exquisite ha Nestling at the foot of the Mountains of Mourne, the magnificent Slieve Donard Resort What better place to say 'I Do' than the award-winning Slieve Donard Resort and Spa. Downey was born in Jersey City, New Jersey.She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers University in 1988, where she studied Political Science and English, a Juris Doctor from New York Law School in June 1991 and a Masters of Social Work from Boston University School of Social Work in 2005. Too easily forgotten when compared to the mighty Championship course, the Annesley still has much to offer. So set aside a few extra minutes, find a table in the clubhouse lounge, and reminisce on your day at one of the best golf courses in the world over a pint of the finest tasting Guinness youre likely to ever find. Over the years it became less used as a professional venue but has always remained a supreme challenge that attracts the top professionals, such as Tiger Woods and Tom Watson, as individuals. 5-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2019 (Down -4); Royal County Down was voted the No. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers University in 1988, where she studied Political Science and English, a Juris Doctor from New York Law School in June 1991 and a Masters of Social Work from Boston University School of Social Work in 2005. As part of the agreement with the ET we agreed that we would close the links for 10 days before the event and then the event itself, so well actually be closed for about 17 days in total. All of the legal issues such as health and safety and so on apply here just as much as elsewhere. I have never seen such maturity in someone so young". The Royal County Down Golf Club N. Ireland 14C overcast clouds Thu 15C 12C Fri 17C 14C Sat 17C 14C Sun 17C 13C Mon 17C 13C Tue 17C 13C Wed 18C 12C Golf Course Address Royal County Down Golf Club 36 Golf Links Road Newcastle Co.Down BT33 0AN, N Ireland ` Golf bookings only made through the Secretary's Office +44 28 4372 2419 One of the practical difficulties is that we are an SSSI (Site of Specific Scientific Interest) and a SAC (Special Area of Conservation), which causes all sorts of limitations to what we can do with the land. Royal Co. Down is the second oldest Golf Club in Ireland founded in 1889 and designed by Old Tom Morris and later redesigned by Vardon and later by Harry Colt. Ardglass is a clifftop, seaside beauty embracing glorious views, delicious variety and the sort of extras that deliver a perfect cherry-on-top. The club was not looking to host the Irish Open. We are very fortunate, along with Royal Portrush, that we do bring in a lot of very high paying tourists. The result is one of the most memorable par-4s in golf. "The Field" on the 23rd March 1889, records that Lord Annesley presided over the first meeting of the club, which had over fifty members, "many of them leading gentlemen". Believe us when we say that this is a bargain. Royal County Down is an arduous course and walk. [5] In July 2018 Downey and fellow Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling accused fellow Assemblywoman Serena DiMaso of violating the Truth-In-Caller ID while sending out robocalls. Secretary of the Union and was a major influence in golf affairs during his seven years in office. The result is one of the most memorable par-4s in golf. 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. Get a D&B Hoovers Free Trial. The next county commissioners meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Jan. 17. In more recent times the course has been less used as a professional venue, but it has always remained a supreme challenge which attracts the best players in the world; Tiger Woods, Tom Watson and many others have played it either as part of their preparation for the Open Championship or just for sheer enjoyment, and Rory McIlroy, Northern Irelands current world star, is a frequent visitor. We have whatever membership level the Club wishes so we dont have the challenges that many golf courses have of seeking and maintaining members. Thank you for signing up to Golf Monthly. If youre counting down to a tee time at this illustrious course, here is your complete guide to Royal County Down. From 1893, when the second Irish Open Amateur Championship was held, until the present time, Royal County Down has been synonymous with the best in amateur golf. It currently ranks 1st in the Golf Monthly UK&I Top 100 list. Played at Ballybunion Golf Club from 18th to 20th August 2004. Gallery (24) Royal County Down Golf Club is at Newcastle, a little holiday town nestling at the feet of the majestic Mountains of Mourne. The design firm of Mackenzie & Ebert recently completed a few updates around the course, including the removal of a much maligned pond on the 17th hole. Created by intelligentgolf version 10.1.2. Other royalty His (Her) Royal Highness, the Prince (Princess) of _____ Address goes here Your Royal Highness Your Royal Highness; Sir or Madam His (Her) Royal Highness, the Duke (Duchess) of Gloucester Duke/Duchess His/Her Grace, the D _____ of My Lord Duke/ Madam . It opened on 23 March 1889 and is one of the oldest golf clubs in Ireland. Mr Wilson said the award is a recognition of the efforts Royal County Down has made for Newcastle and local tourism and one that everyone associated with the club should share. If you would like to find out more about DPSMs executive search services, please contact Doug Philip for a confidential conversation. The Guinness is cool, the view is splendid, and the members and staff are welcoming. The finest of all links courses, it offers a stern challenge from the championship tees. In 2020, Englewood Cliffs, NJ had a population of 5.35k people with a median age of 48.3 and a median household income of $158,042. Green fees 30 - 220 (35-256 ) / 18 Holes Wednesday 20C Valuable research and technology reports. C . A memorable round at Royal County Down warrants an equal measure of the Good Life when the day is done. Only a few years ago Donald Steel wrote that it was "golf on a heroic scale", and the late Peter Dobereiner that it was" thrilling even without a club in your hand". Professional golfers, too, have long been drawn to Royal County Down. As one might expect, local seafood is the centerpiece of both menus, which pairs nicely with a crisp glass of chardonnay and lively conversation reminiscing on putts made and memories shared. BT33 0AN, Northern Ireland. Welcome Royal County Down is located in one of the world's most naturally beautiful links settings in the Murlough Nature Reserve. In terms of the clubhouse, we like to think that the level of service is very good. The collection of par-3s at Royal County Down are easily the finest on the Emerald Isle, with the 4th hole setting the pace. 2-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2014 (Down-1); Royal County Down was voted the No. He said the tourism award is further recognition of the important role Royal County Down plays in boosting tourism in not just Newcastle and South Down, but in Northern Ireland. Published 29 March 23, Nowhere gives you the chance to pit yourself against James Braids design mind in quite as gloriously serene a setting as Gleneagles Kings course. Top 100 Golf Courses UK & Ireland 2023/24, Dumbarnie Links Golf Course Review, Green Fees, Tee Times and Key Info, St Enodoc Golf Club: Church Course Review, Green Fees, Tee Times and Key Info, Hollinwell Golf Course: Review, Green Fees, Tee Times and Key Info, Nairn Golf Club Championship Course Review, Green Fees, Tee Times and Key Info, Gleneagles Golf Resort King's Course: Review, Green Fees, Tee Times and Key Info. Mr Wilson said there is no doubt that the golfers who do come to play Royal County Down do add a lot to Newcastle as they will in places like Portrush and Portstewart. Created by intelligentgolf version 10.1.2. The club has 36-holes the Championship Course measuring 7,037 yards Par 71 with a standard scratch of 74 off the blue tees and the somewhat shorter Annesley Links at 4,708 yards Par-66. They proceed to the All-Ireland Decider at Donaghadee Golf Club on 18th August 2014. By downloading you agree to receive marketing communications from Haversham & Baker and have read our privacy policy. I left the RAF in 1996, and got into golf management at West Essex. He was also Captain of Royal County Down in 1895-96, and again in 1904. The Club Officers and Council decided that hosting it was the right thing to do, and so the members were advised that we would be hosting the event. The delighted club secretary said the Local Tourism Hero award is more recognition for the Newcastle club whose links course has been graced by the worlds best including Tom Watson, Tiger Woods and Northern Irelands very own Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell. The members would have a hat on the table, and they would all put their names in the hat, and one of them would draw the names out. The cost is the clubs prevailing caddie fee plus a recommended gratuity of 20-30. Weve had a number of top players come and play, and they say just put the stands up today, and you can hold the Irish Open here tomorrow. But of course the rankings are important, because that is what drives people to come and want to play the top courses. We hosted the Walker Cup here in 2007, and were hosting the British Seniors Amateur Championship in August this year and will host the Irish Amateur Open Championship in 2017. Were very fortunate to be highly regarded in world golf and we are a members club with as many visitors as we can manage. 1-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2017 (As was); Royal County Down was voted the No. Royal County Down consistently ranks as one of the top golf courses in the world. We welcome visiting golfers on the Championship Links on: Monday, Tuesday and Friday - morning & afternoon // Thursday - morning // Sunday - afternoon. Royal County Down is located in one of the world's most naturally beautiful links settings in the Murlough Nature Reserve. Either way it stimulates and challenges. Historically I think professionals have supported the game Lee Westwood supported English golf over many years with the Golf Foundation and other projects and Rory makes quite an effort locally. Par. Have your camera ready, both the one in your bag and in your mind, as this is one scene youll never want to forget. Greater Swansea Area Head of Institutions and Capital Markets Assistant Finance Manager at RDASH Bolton upon Dearne Tengizchevroil (TCO) Expansion Project, Farnborough, UK See others named David. According to legend, St Patrick is also said to have sung psalms at The Holy Wells at Struell. 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. 36 Golf Links Road, Newcastle Co Down. Like many before, I came into the business slightly later in life, but I suppose if Id started younger and Im intrigued by your Young Managers Group then I suppose the key would probably be to gain as much experience as you can. When the gorse is in bloom, theres no lovelier place to play. Depending upon who you ask or what list youre reading, Royal County Down may find itself noted as the best golf course in the world. RCD is a very fair test of golf. 9th Hole, Royal County Down Regular price $100.00 / Print Surface Size Add to cart I recall the first time I played Royal County Down and hit my tee shot on the 9th hole. The overall golfing experience matches the course's rich pedigree, with many standout holes along the way, including the much-photographed par-3 4th from an elevated tee. Co Down, Northern Ireland County Down: the finest combination of beauty and challenge in golf. 1-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2020 (Up-4); Royal County Down was voted the No. So thats a limitation and thats one of the reasons why the crowd numbers are limited to 20,000 a day this year. There was a problem. We reckon that you can go out and play the golf course any day of the year, and itll be almost perfect condition. He is now a freelance journalist writing mainly for Golf Monthly across the whole spectrum from courses and Rules to equipment and instruction. Royal Co. Down has a magnificent clubhouse catering for the golfers every need, a strict jacket-and-tie applies at this one of the finest links to be found anywhere in the world, many would argue it is the Number One and few would disagre. Yes - every day. Set in Newcastle, Hillyard House Hotel features a shared lounge, restaurant, bar and free WiFi throughout the property. The course continues to present a major challenge to the top amateurs, particularly in match play which is, after all, the heart and soul of golf. A lot of these guys will regularly go and support tournament venues The Open venues in particular. Oct 1991 - Present31 years 10 months Newcastle County Down N.I. Emma Dickson lost her match 2 and 1. And so it began to evolve, all the work in the years ahead being carried out by the green staff, little of it recorded, often instigated and certainly supervised by the chairman of the green, George Combe, always authoritative, more often than not autocratic, but like Capability Brown possessing a gift of vision. Royal Co. Down Ladies won the ILGU Senior Cup in 2001 at Douglas Golf Club on September the 8th. From the bottom of the slope the second shot is played over two bunkers to a raised green. Thankfully, you dont need to travel far to find it, as barely a 9-iron from the first tee lies the magnificent Slieve Donard hotel. Not unsurprisingly, it has also been the scene of many great Ladies Championships, the Irish and British Open Amateurs a total of 18 times and the Curtis Cup in 1968. Royal County Down has the distinction of being on of the nine founder members of the GUI, on 13th November 1891, when George Combe and Dr. Magill attended the inaugural meeting. He was also Captain of Royal County Down in 1895-96, and again in 1904.The Field" on the 23rd March 1889, records that Lord Annesley presided over the first meeting of the club, which had over fifty members, "many of them leading gentlemen". Alongside the European Tour he played a key role in attracting the title sponsor Dubai Duty Free and hes been instrumental in assembling the great field that were going to have next week. The club is also home to the short but delightful Annesley Links, which also ranks among the best golf courses in Northern Ireland. Email Email Us Phone 201-569-5252 Fax 201-569-4356 Public Hours Monday - Friday Heres how it works. There is a stunning set of par 3s, all at varying distances, the shortest of which is full of peril. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Im not sure hosting The Open is something wed be looking to do. Im very lucky as I dont have to seek out members membership is by invitation only. It's an exhilarating location for a classic links golf course where the Bay of Dundrum sweeps out into the Irish Sea and where the mighty peak of Slieve Donard (3,000 ft.) casts its shadow over the town. But of course the rankings are important, because that is what drives people to come and want to play the top courses. Theyd then go off and play in their foursomes, have some tea in the clubhouse, and then go back to Belfast on the train. My prime responsibility is to look after our members, and we actually have three clubs here at RCD. Elsewhere, The Brunel Bar at the Slieve Donard hotel is always a fine choice. Its just too early in the year to have risked not using mats because there might not have been enough growth to allow the fairways to recover to the standard wed like. Interview: David Joy England Golfs Chief Executive. We were approached by the European Tour and Northern Ireland Executive more than two years ago. The ladies club was formed in 1894 and the clubhouse was opened in 1897 a second eighteen-holes, were opened in 1900. While the golf at Royal County Down is certain to be exceptional, the overall experience at both the club and this corner of Ireland is second to none. This is one of the most photographed views in the world. The Senior Open Championship was held at Royal County Down in 2000, 2001 and 2002, and such giants of the game as Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and Gary Player all took part in it. Thanks to a combination of the towering Mountains of Mourne as the backdrop to many holes and the Irish sea flanking the opening trio, the visual appeal is hard to surpass. Glenawly* represented Ireland as a Senior International from 1902 to 1906; J. H. Goldfinch* represented Ireland as a Senior International from 1904 to 1906; W. J. MacGreagh* represented Ireland as a Senior International in 1902; E. Morrissey* represented Ireland as a Senior International in 1904; J. H. Richardson* represented Ireland as a Senior International in 1900; D. W. Smith* represented Ireland as a Senior International from 1923 to 1931; H. B. Smyth* represented Ireland as a Senior International from 1974 to 1979 playing 37-times won 21-matches halved three and lost 13-matches accumulating 45-points. We have agreed that the European Tour will come here and will run the Irish Open, and whilst we have a role to play in facilitating that they actually make all the arrangements which is obviously quite handy from my point of view! It has two 18-hole links courses, the Championship Course and the Annesley Links. The panorama from the peak some 60 feet above the fairway includes the Slieve Donard, the Mourne Mountains, and the Irish Sea. The tee box is perched on a heather-strewn hill, measuring 486 yards Vardon described it as "exhilarating and terrifying". But there are plenty of teeing options available and the slope/course ratings mean that golfers can still have a good chance of playing to handicap if they're playing well. We have whatever membership level the Club wishes so we dont have the challenges that many golf courses have of seeking and maintaining members. The job is essentially the same. Since then, Harry Vardon, Harry Colt, Donald Steel, and most recently, Martin Ebert, have all stamped their mark on this truly magical place. The longer hitter can take the left of centre line so as to shoot forward off the down slope, leaving a long to mid iron to the long narrow green. Between 2019 and 2020 the population of Englewood Cliffs, NJ declined from 5,371 to 5,349, a 0.41% decrease and its median household income grew from $148,446 to $158,042, a 6.46% increase. 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, Blue tees: 7,204 yards (Slope Rating: 145, Course Rating: 75.9), White tees: 6,925 yards (SR: 136, CR 74.8), Yellow tees: 6,651 yards (SR: 134, CR 73.5), Green tees: 6,249 yards (SR: 130, CR 71.6).