Royal County Down

ThunderCat

I played this course yesterday and it was simply majestic. I dont think ive ever seen such a golf course in such a good setting. I managed to get 4 pars and a birdie which i was happy about and walking the same fairways as some of the golfing greats made it all the sweeter.
This is by far the best links course ive ever played but seeing as its the only big name links course ive played, i was just wondering how the rest compare.
Is Lahinch, Ballybunion, Waterville, Royal Portrush, The European, Portmarnock any better?? How do they compare??
I know its all a matter of opinion but i cant imagine a better course than the one i played yesterday.
Would love to hear your views.......

PhilipMarlowe

It's on my to-do list
A lot of people I know would prefer Portrush (which is also on my list).
For a low handicap golfer I have played a shockingly low number of good courses in Ireland.... of the few links I've played here, Waterville is my favourite followed by The European Club

HuntingDrog

on my to do list too. heard its the great from several people.

the one drawback i've heard from several people is that there's a lot of blind shots. did you find that Thundercat?

ThunderCat

Its great value at the moment lads. It cost me 75 sterling and the exchange rate is good at the moment which is an added bonus. Also the course was in fantastic condition. The entrance to the place is a bitch to find though. Found it in the end.:D
Yea there were a good few blind tee shots as well as blind approaches but they really add to it in my opinion. Also there are stones/markers on the brow of the hill to guide you. The ninth hole is a fine example of a blind tee shot at Royal County Down. Its a long par 4 and you basically drive over the hill but when you get to the top of hill the view that awaits you has to be the best in all of golf. See the photos ive attatched for a better idea.

By the way, there is not one yardage marker on the course so judging your distance to the green can be tricky.

f22

Best golf course I've ever played, and I've played a few good ones around the world.

The value there at the moment is unreal, works out at around e80.

The blinds tee shots can be an issue if you don't know the course. Just hire a junior caddy and use them as a spotter and split the bill.

Going back up in the coming weeks hopefully.

neckedit

One of the toughest tracks around Great pic of the 9th man bringd back some sweet memories.....Played it in consecutive days years ago, day 1 absolutly fabulous weather and hot! second day could barely stand due to wind and the rain was coming in sideways! Co. sligo is still my fav links of all I've played, inc Portrush,Royal Dublin,Enniscrone,Ballyliffen (both) Portmarnock (old),European, Castlerock, Rosslare, Bundoran,North West, etc. but Co Down Always the toughest:p

kingshankly

its definitely on my to list would pay 75stg its a bargain. another course beside me greenore has exceptional views of carlingford lough and the mourne mountains but thats where the similarities end.id be up for a round in royal county down anyday if anyones interested