No 3 - Royal County Down
3. ROYAL COUNTY DOWN
2004 position - 2
6881 yards; Par 71; SSS 73
Green fees £60-£140
Tel: 028 4372 2419
www.royalcountydown.org
This remains the yardstick against which all British links courses are measured. There are so many world-class holes on this course. All the par 3s are superb, there are eight tough par 4s and a brilliant short par 4, the 6th. There are three par 5s – two of them offer decent birdie chances while the 18th is a really tough closing proposition. Straight driving is a must and approach shots need to be played to the front of the greens. Bunkers must be avoided as the surrounding areas are thick with heather. The setting is fabulous. The first three holes are played along the shoreline and the Mourne Mountains, which rise to nearly 3000ft from near the 1st tee, are ever-present. It must be one of the most beautiful courses in the world.
