The 2015 Irish Open at Royal County Down
156 players from more than 20 countries will converge on Ireland’s premier golf club the Royal County Down from 28-31 May to contest for a €2.5 million prize fund at the annual Irish Open.
An exceptional line up includes 16 of the world’s top 50 players with the favourite being world number 1 Rory McIlroy after a powerful performance at the Wells Fargo Championship finishing 21-under.
The Co Down native is hoping to win his first ever Irish Open but if history is anything to go by, Irish competitors have not faired well in the tournament. McIlroy faces stiff competition in the form of reigning US Open champion Martin Kaymer, Ricky Fowler who recently won the PGA Players Championship and Mauritius Open champion George Coetzee. Fan favourite Miguel Ángel Jiménez will also take to the course this Thursday.
About the Course
You will find The Royal County Down in Newcastle, a little holiday town at the foot of the majestic Mourne Mountains. The links course is touted as being one of the greatest courses in the world and is ranked 4th in Golf Digest’s ‘World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses’.
Purple heather and golden gorse surrounds the fairways and while particularly beautiful they are equally punishing if you find yourself among them. You may recognise the ninth hole as one of the most photographed holes in golf with the line from the elevated tee is directly at impressive Slieve Donard peak. The record is 66 set in 1939 by Jimmy Bruen and if you ever get the opportunity to play a round, regardless of your scorecard, you won’t be disappointed.
Golf fans have four days of brilliant golf to look forward to from 28th - 31st May. If you won't make it to The Royal County Down, you can catch it on RTE or online on the RTE Player.
If you’re thinking of a golfing trip to the world famous links course be sure to check out some great B&B accommodation in County Down.
Image credit: Discover Northern Ireland
Posted: 19 May 2015 by
Niall McKee |
with 0 comments
Tags: Down, Golfers, Golfers Welcome B&Bs, Northern Ireland
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