Royal County Down voted best in world

Royal County Down voted best in world

13 January 2016

ROYAL County Down has been voted the best golf course in the world.

The stunningly beautiful links course at the foothills of the Mournes has been voted the number one layout across the globe — ahead of the world renowned Augusta National which hosts the US Masters.

Top magazine Golf Digest has placed Royal County Down at the top of a list of 100 courses, with a panel of almost 200 golf experts praising the layout of the challenging and picturesque course. They have also confirmed seaside courses are becoming increasingly popular.

The highly respected magazine added: “That included Northern Ireland’s Royal County Down a surprising though deserving new number one, replacing New Jersey’s Pine Valley, which has plenty of sand but no ocean and is now number three on our exclusive list.

“Royal County Down, on rugged, windblown topography along the Irish Sea and beneath the Mourne mountains, features snarling bunkers edged by marram grass and dates from 1889.”

The Newcastle course was placed fourth in last year’s list and its jump to the top has delighted everyone associated with the links venue which has been graced by the world’s best including Tom Watson, Tiger Woods and Northern Ireland’s very own Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell.

Royal County Down rubs shoulders with some illustrious company in the Golf Digest top six which also includes Cypress Point in California, Royal Dornoch in Scotland and Royal Melbourne in Australia.

Mr David Wilson, Royal County Down’s secretary, said everyone is delighted the club has secured such prestigious recognition.

“We are delighted, honoured and humbled,” he continued. “I am told this is the first time any course outside America has been voted number one, ahead of the world renowned Pine Valley and Augusta National.”

Mr Wilson admitted that considering the host of magnificent courses around the world, it put into perspective the magnitude of the honour which has bestowed upon Royal County Down.

“I spend some time trying to tell people who not only visit, but the staff here that we are working at what is considered to be a world class venue. The fact people from elsewhere regard us in that light is a great accolade for not only us, but Newcastle and indeed South Down.

“The Irish Open held here last year must also have played its part in this recognition. I don’t think there is any doubt about that. For the first time ever there was live coverage of this event on the Golf Channel with the pictures beamed across America, and our venue was seen by significantly more people than maybe before.”

Now proudly wearing the world’s number one golf course tag, Royal County Down is gearing up for what already promises to be a hugely busy 2016.

Mr Wilson said the Newcastle course is always busy and struggles to accommodate all the people who want to play one of the most picturesque courses in world golf.

“It is fair to say that from two months ago we were almost full for the bulk of the season coming forward. From early July through until early October we literally have not got a tee time available for visitors. It is very busy, but we have been like that for a couple of years. 

“There was a slight dip as a result of us hosting the Irish Open and we accommodated slightly fewer visitors for practical reasons but this year is going to very very, very busy. We are now looking at trying to satisfy more people who want to come in May and June which are marginally less popular. We will have a little flexibility at this time to fit a few more in.”

Mr Wilson conceded that it was a “lovely problem to have” and said there is no doubt from what he heard that local restaurants and hotels were also pleased to be kept busy. 

Mr Wilson added: “This is good news for Newcastle and the surrounding area. We are delighted to have been voted the world’s best golf course.

“Golf Digest summed it up to a tee — ‘On a clear spring day… there is no lovelier place in golf’.” Tourism Ireland chief executive Niall Gibbons said it was a “fantastic accolade” for Royal County Down to be voted number one golf course in the world.

He added: “I am delighted to see another local course, Royal Portrush, come in at number 27 on the same list. This wonderful endorsement presents Tourism Ireland with another invaluable opportunity to showcase Northern Ireland to golfers and prospective visitors around the world.”