The Royal County Down Pilgrimage

Royal County Down — frequently ranked the best course on earth — beneath the Mountains of Mourne, paired with Open host Royal Portrush. Northern Ireland packs two of the world's top links into a single short coastline.

Why It's a Pilgrimage

Royal County Down tops more 'best in the world' lists than any other course, with blind drives over bearded bunkers and the Mournes sweeping down to the sea behind every green. An hour away sits Royal Portrush, which hosted The Open in 2019 and again in 2025, plus Portstewart's spectacular dune front nine. No other compact region delivers this density of genuinely world-best links — it is the connoisseur's pilgrimage.

The Marquee Courses