Royal County Down submits plans for major course upgrade

ROYAL County Down Golf Club has submitted plans for a major upgrade of its Championship course, with work also proposed for the Annesley links.

The proposals, prepared by golf course architects Mackenzie & Ebert, aim to enhance the world-renowned links and strengthen its position as one of Northern Ireland’s leading golf tourism attractions.

The Championship course, which has repeatedly featured at the top of international golf rankings, is renowned for its challenging layout and spectacular setting against the Mourne Mountains and the Irish Sea.

The planning application, submitted by consultants Clyde Shanks, outlines changes to eight holes on the Championship course ,the first, third, fifth, 11th, 12th, 16th, 17th and 18th, alongside modifications to the first and second holes of the Annesley course.

The proposed works include new and revised teeing areas, additional bunkers, adjustments to greens, changes to fairways and limited reshaping of the surrounding dunes. A new green is also proposed for the fifth hole, while the closing stretch of the Championship course will undergo reconfiguration.

According to the planning statement, the aim is to “significantly upgrade the course to reflect Royal County Down’s status as one of the very best golf courses in the world”.

The application also highlights the club’s importance to the local economy, noting that it attracts approximately 10,000 international visitors each golf season, in addition to its playing membership.

The plans follow the success of the Amgen Irish Open, held at Royal County Down in 2024, which attracted around 70,000 spectators and delivered a significant boost to businesses in Newcastle and the surrounding area.

The club’s proposals come amid growing recognition of Northern Ireland as a leading golf tourism destination, further reinforced by the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush in 2025.

Research commissioned by the R&A and Tourism Northern Ireland estimated that the 2025 Open generated £89.2 million in economic impact for Northern Ireland, with a further £191 million in destination marketing benefits through international exposure.

While the application does not specifically state that Royal County Down is seeking to host The Open, the proposed improvements could help strengthen its position to stage major international tournaments in the future.

Mackenzie & Ebert has extensive experience working on Open Championship venues, including Royal Portrush, Royal Liverpool, Royal Birkdale, Royal Troon and Royal St George’s.

However, course improvements alone would not guarantee the Newcastle club a place on The Open rota. The R&A would also need to be satisfied that the venue had the necessary infrastructure to accommodate tens of thousands of spectators safely.

The application has already been the subject of public consultation and will now be considered by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.

Subject to planning approval, work could begin during the 2027 off-season.