Coasts of Down Links Challenge

Rodrigo

Has anyone ever played in this? Whats it like? On around the end of april for 3 days, you get to play the main course in Royal Co Down if you qualify on the first 2 days at Ardglass and Kirkstown.

stockdam

I haven't played in the challenge but I've played both courses.

Ardglass is a shortish course but if the wind blows then it's pretty tough. It's a nice course.

Kirkistown is longer and harder. Once again the wind can play a large part. There are some blind 2nd shots up to the top of the hill so make sure you walk up to see where the green is.

If you do qualify then RCD is magnificent.

thewobbler

Two remote outposts but both very much worth driving to.

Ardglass isn't really a links course in my opinion. It's a cliff top course (apart from the stunning 11th, which hugs a beach) and doesn't have linksy terrain. But the scenery is better than just about anywhere in the world and the sea air makes for all year round playable. As stockdam says, it's a touch on the short side, but small greens and hazards aplenty can turn it into a difficult beast when the wind is up.

Kirkistown is raw, natural links. It's not a pretty course and has a couple of very odd holes, but it is tremendous fun to play, and is a shot maker's dream course, with so many holes open to all sorts of angles.

Kevinmarkham

I haven't played it, but would certainly like to. Below is a section from an article in the 2013 A Golfer's Guide to Ireland (which covers the big 12 amateur golf tournaments):


Coasts of Down Links Challenge
If County Antrim has its Causeway Coast Challenge, then County Down is well able to match it. The opportunity to play Royal County Down (RCD) is an amazing enticement when you consider the entry fee of £105, but there is an element of qualification that also adds to the thrill of this particular event. For you will only play one of the world’s greatest courses if you score well over Ardglass and Kirkistown Castle golf clubs on the first two days. This year also sees the addition of live scoreboards in the clubhouse (and online), so you’ll know whether you’re going to make the cut. But even those who don’t still get to play RCD… if just the Annesley links. It may only be a par 66, but it’s a terrific little links and, by criss-crossing its bigger sibling a few times, it’s a cruel reminder of what might have been.

DETAILS
• Competition Format: Singles Stableford. Two qualifying rounds, followed by a round at Royal County Down.
• Date: 24 - 26 April 2013
• Cost: £105
• Accommodation Options: Slieve Donard is recommended due to the last day qualification system. Other options in Newcastle also available.
• Prize Fund: Over £2,000

More details: www.posnettgolf.com/Coasts-of-Down, office@postnettgolf.com

Ardglass
Ardglass is a links/seaside/headland gem, with possibly the most dramatic salvo of holes on the island… ably assisted by the line of canons pointing you towards the 1st green, set in a rocky turret. Holes 10, 11 and 12 are thrilling, set across from the Coney Island made famous by Van Morrison.

Kirkistown Castle
Make no mistake, Kirkistown Castle may only be a par 69 but it is a lethal links. There are two hillocks which host greens and tees in glorious fashion, and from here you will get a great perspective on the rest of the course. It is worth studying because there are few places to hide on this James Braid-designed course. Play straight.

Royal County Down
Royal County Down can be summed up in one word: heaven. This is a links experience that settles in the soul, combining beauty and danger with magical scenery (Mourne Mountains) all day long. The blind 9th is often hailed as one of the world’s most enthralling golf holes, but there are many others, too. Unique features, such as the bearded bunkers, only serve to emphasise how special this place is. Now all you have to do is qualify.

mike12

Hi,
Played in it last year and it was great fun weather was horrible for the first 2 days so scores of 45/6 points got to play in RCD where the weather was much nicer.
Great format with everyone waiting around the leaderboards the second day to see if they made it. Even if u sign up as a 4ball u have to swap someone out each day so there can be no question of anyone cheating.
Have to miss it this year heading to St. Andrews but will play again next year.
Ardglass is a cracking course and Kirkstown was was tough the day we played it lots of shouts of 4 but would like to play it on a nicer day had a 400 yard drive it was that windy. 99 points won each of the last 2 years so it shows how though it was when that was the best that 250 players could manage.
Mike

Roger_007

Glad to hear good reviews as I intend to play this year. Am also playing in Donegal Links on 27 - 29th May over three superb links courses, Rosapenna, Portsalon and Ballyliffen. Played last year and enjoyed it immensely.

stockdam

One other comment about Ardglass.

I once played it in the winter at about 6am. Standing on the first tee was an experience. The spray from the sea was whipping across us and the mist made it slightly eery. The tee is right down on the rocks and on a windy day it makes you "know" that you have a big challenge ahead.

Rodrigo

Had they the floodlights switched on at 6 in the morning in winter time?
;):rolleyes::rolleyes:

TGoodall

Think I will stick my name down for this, looked on the website but don't see entry requirements anywhere. Is there a limit on hc or anything?

stockdam

Rodrigo wrote: »

Had they the floodlights switched on at 6 in the morning in winter time?
;):rolleyes::rolleyes:

No we had to wait until it was light enough to start.

Malek988

TGoodall wrote: »

Think I will stick my name down for this, looked on the website but don't see entry requirements anywhere. Is there a limit on hc or anything?

yea i would like to know this 2 as im very keen to enter this

gary29428

Kevinmarkham wrote: »

I haven't played it, but would certainly like to. Below is a section from an article in the 2013 A Golfer's Guide to Ireland (which covers the big 12 amateur golf tournaments):


Coasts of Down Links Challenge
If County Antrim has its Causeway Coast Challenge, then County Down is well able to match it. The opportunity to play Royal County Down (RCD) is an amazing enticement when you consider the entry fee of £105, but there is an element of qualification that also adds to the thrill of this particular event. For you will only play one of the world’s greatest courses if you score well over Ardglass and Kirkistown Castle golf clubs on the first two days. This year also sees the addition of live scoreboards in the clubhouse (and online), so you’ll know whether you’re going to make the cut. But even those who don’t still get to play RCD… if just the Annesley links. It may only be a par 66, but it’s a terrific little links and, by criss-crossing its bigger sibling a few times, it’s a cruel reminder of what might have been.

DETAILS
• Competition Format: Singles Stableford. Two qualifying rounds, followed by a round at Royal County Down.
• Date: 24 - 26 April 2013
• Cost: £105
• Accommodation Options: Slieve Donard is recommended due to the last day qualification system. Other options in Newcastle also available.
• Prize Fund: Over £2,000

More details: www.posnettgolf.com/Coasts-of-Down, office@postnettgolf.com

Ardglass
Ardglass is a links/seaside/headland gem, with possibly the most dramatic salvo of holes on the island… ably assisted by the line of canons pointing you towards the 1st green, set in a rocky turret. Holes 10, 11 and 12 are thrilling, set across from the Coney Island made famous by Van Morrison.

Kirkistown Castle
Make no mistake, Kirkistown Castle may only be a par 69 but it is a lethal links. There are two hillocks which host greens and tees in glorious fashion, and from here you will get a great perspective on the rest of the course. It is worth studying because there are few places to hide on this James Braid-designed course. Play straight.

Royal County Down
Royal County Down can be summed up in one word: heaven. This is a links experience that settles in the soul, combining beauty and danger with magical scenery (Mourne Mountains) all day long. The blind 9th is often hailed as one of the world’s most enthralling golf holes, but there are many others, too. Unique features, such as the bearded bunkers, only serve to emphasise how special this place is. Now all you have to do is qualify.

I had a look through the guide for the big 12 amateur events this year but couldn't find the article you referred to, any chance you could post a link..thanks, looking to play something this year.