A History of the Royal Co. Down Golf Club

Royal County Down Golf Club was founded on 23 March 1889, making it one of the oldest golf clubs in Ireland. The club is privately owned and operated by its members. The club was established by a group of influential business and professional men from Belfast. The development of a railway line from Belfast to Newcastle and Newcastle’s emergence as a seaside resort provided the impetus for the first formal golf course. The original nine-hole layout was designed by George L. Baillie, a Scottish schoolteacher, and later expanded by Old Tom Morris. The early clubhouse had been special built for the golfers by the Belfast and County Down Railway.

The course has been shaped by several renowned architects over the years. Old Tom Morris laid out the original course, and later modifications were made by Harry Vardon, George Combe, and Harry Colt. The course is known for its stunning natural dune-land and challenging layout. Royal County Down Golf Club is widely regarded as one of the finest links courses in the world, offering a challenging and scenic golfing experience. Its rich history and contributions to the sport make it a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts.

In 1908 the ‘indefatigable George Combe’ had finished his major reconstruction of the ‘Long Course’ and this released nine holes, the so called flat nine, which could be permanently used by the ladies. The Ladies’ Course was 2,038 yards and ran alongside the Belfast and County Down Railway line. For years afterwards the Ladies’ Course was disparagingly referred to as the ‘Hen-Run’. The Ladies’ Course was extended to eighteen holes with five new holes added in 1925 and the remainder in the thirties. The club has hosted many prestigious tournaments, including the Walker Cup, Curtis Cup, and Irish Open together with Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championship and the national amateur titles.