Royal County Down Golf Club, 9 April 2015, Image from Irelands Content Pool

Royal County Down Golf Club, located in the breathtaking Murlough Nature Reserve, has been voted the Number 1 course in the World's 100 Greatest Golf Courses by Golf Digest for three consecutive years (2017-2019). Against the magnificent backdrop of the Mountains of Mourne, the links stretches along the shores of Dundrum Bay, zigzagging back and forth to provide a different vista from virtually every hole.

The narrow fairways are surrounded by purple heather and golden gorse, creating a stunning natural beauty but punishing those who stray from the prescribed path. The 'bearded' 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 championship course is a true test of any player's command of the traditional bump and run, the preferred way to play links. The ninth hole, one of the most photographed holes in world golf, is a 486 yard par 4 played from one side of a huge mound down to a fairway some 60ft 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.

Royal County Down Golf Club offers a stern challenge from the championship tees, with a record of 66 set by Ireland's first golfing superstar, Jimmy Burren, in 1939. From the Stableford tees, golfers of all standards have the opportunity to play a truly great course with a dramatic panorama of the surrounding mountains and coastline.

In addition to the championship course, the club also offers the Annesley Course, which is available for play any day except Saturday morning. The championship course is available for play on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday morning, Friday, and Sunday afternoon. The course designer is Tom Morris, and a handicap/certificate requirement is required for play.

Royal County Down Golf Club is a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts looking for a challenging and unforgettable golfing experience. With its stunning natural beauty, challenging course design, and world-class facilities, it is no wonder that it has been consistently voted as the top golf course in the world. So why wait? Book your tee time today and experience the magic of Royal County Down Golf Club for yourself.