Royal County Down Golf Club : The First Century
€45.00
“The kind of golf that people play in their most ecstatic dreams.” These words, penned by the legendary golf writer Bernard Darwin, perfectly encapsulate the essence of Royal County Down. Nestled along the sands of Dundrum Bay in the small town of Newcastle, Northern Ireland, this course is a symphony of nature and design.
The club’s journey began in 1889 and soon afterwards Old Tom Morris laid out the first eighteen-hole course with the probable layout on the inside cover of this book. The virgin land proved ideal for golf, and within a month, players were teeing off. But it was George Coombe, the autocratic “Convenor of the Greens,” who transformed the layout. Inspired by the stunning setting, Coombe reshaped the holes, creating two north-south loops that still grace the course today.
In 1926, Harry Colt joined the design team, addressing perceived weaknesses. He introduced the now-famous gorse, adjusted green sites, and crafted the awe-inspiring 9th hole—a par four that challenges both mind and muscle.
What sets Royal County Down apart is the thrilling marriage of design and dune structures – arguably the most attractive in golf. As you stand on the tee, purple heather, golden gorse, and fearsome bunkers frame your view. Drives often play blind over the rugged hills, guided only by small white rocks atop the dunes. The fairways twist and turn, revealing majestic holes that demand precision.
In summary, Royal County Down is more than a golf course; it’s a pilgrimage. As you walk its hallowed fairways, you’ll understand why Bernard Darwin’s words still echo across the dunes: “Ecstatic dreams indeed.”
This centenary book provides an insight into the history of one of the earliest clubs in Ireland which laid down a vision for golf in Ireland for decades to come not only the world famous golf course but from the men and women who ploughed a furrow for the club and the future administration of golf in Ireland. The Club has hosted many major amateur and professional championships.
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