Royal County Down Golf Club is renowned for its stunning scenery and challenging links course located in Newcastle, Northern Ireland. Here's a hole-by-hole description of the Championship Course at Royal County Down:
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Hole 1 - "Annesley": A par 5 that requires a precise tee shot to avoid the deep bunkers on both sides. The fairway narrows near the green, guarded by bunkers.
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Hole 2 - "Ninewells": A long par 4 with a fairway that slopes from left to right. Accuracy is crucial to avoid the bunkers and find the well-protected green.
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Hole 3 - "Brandywell": A challenging par 4 with a narrow fairway and a blind tee shot. The approach shot must carry a deep chasm to reach the green.
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Hole 4 - "Sleeve Donard": A par 3 that demands accuracy, with the Mourne Mountains providing a stunning backdrop.
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Hole 5 - "Cranny": A long par 4 featuring a dogleg left and a narrow fairway. Approach shots must carry a deep bunker to reach the green.
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Hole 6 - "Mound": A par 4 with a blind tee shot over a dune. The approach shot must avoid deep bunkers and find the well-guarded green.
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Hole 7 - "Curran Point": A challenging par 3 with a narrow green surrounded by bunkers. The wind can greatly influence club selection.
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Hole 8 - "Beauchoil": A par 4 with a blind tee shot, followed by an uphill approach to an elevated green.
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Hole 9 - "Punchbowl": A par 4 featuring a blind tee shot and a downhill approach to a hidden green nestled in a natural amphitheater.
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Hole 10 - "High Hole": A long par 5 that doglegs right. The fairway slopes towards the green, requiring strategic shot placement.
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Hole 11 - "Feather Bed": A short par 3 with a well-protected green. Accuracy is key to avoid the surrounding bunkers.
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Hole 12 - "Selby's Hill": A challenging par 4 that requires an accurate tee shot and a precise approach to a well-guarded green.
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Hole 13 - "Ballynahinch": A par 4 with a fairway that slopes towards the green. Strategic shot placement is necessary to avoid deep bunkers.
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Hole 14 - "The Leg of Mutton": A par 4 featuring a narrow fairway and a challenging approach shot over a deep bunker.
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Hole 15 - "Paddy's Milestone": A long par 4 with a fairway that slopes from left to right. The approach shot requires precise club selection.
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Hole 16 - "Fiddler's Green": A par 3 that demands an accurate tee shot to carry a deep chasm and find the green.
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Hole 17 - "Quintin Castle": A par 4 with a narrow fairway that slopes towards the rough. The approach shot must avoid deep bunkers to reach the green.
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Hole 18 - "O'Hara's Cairn": A challenging par 4 that requires a precise tee shot and a well-struck approach to finish the round.
Each hole at Royal County Down presents its own unique challenges, with strategic shot placement, bunkers, and the ever-changing coastal winds testing the skills of golfers. Playing this iconic links course provides an unforgettable golfing experience.