Royal County Down submits plans for major course upgrade

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 17:38 · Archive

Royal County Down Golf Club has submitted a planning application for a major upgrade of its championship course.

Royal County Down Golf Club in Newcastle has submitted a planning application for a major upgrade of its championship course. The work includes new and revised tees, new bunkers and reconfiguration of fairways on nine of the championship course holes. The club states 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 club is working with the same designers and planning consultants who worked with Royal Portrush ahead of its first Open in 2019. The application notes that the improvements would "enable the club to continue to attract and support the hosting of large events", building on the success of hosting the Amgen Irish Open in 2024, which attracted approximately 70,000 spectators.

According to the planning application, the club already attracts about 10,000 international visitors each golf season, making it "one of the most significant tourism drivers" in the Mourne area and Northern Ireland. The application cites independent research suggesting The Open at Portrush had "a total economic impact of £89.2m" to Northern Ireland. The plans will be considered by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council's planning committee, with work potentially beginning in the 2027 off-season if approved.

How it is being reported

• Major upgrade for Royal Co Down will 'make it one of the best golf course in world''The aim is to significantly upgrade the course to reflect Royal Co Down’s status as one of the very best golf courses in the world and one of the most significant golf tourism assets in Northern Ireland'Belfast Live · 19 Oct, 19:11
• Could course upgrade bring the Open to Newcastle?Royal County Down Golf Club has submitted a planning application for a major upgrade of its championship course.BBC Northern Ireland · 19 Oct, 16:08
• Royal County Down submits planning application for ‘significant’ course upgrade amid speculation on bid to host The OpenThe club is drafting in the same architects as Royal Portrush, with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council considering the plansBelfast Telegraph · 19 Oct, 15:07

In this story: Royal County Down Golf Club · Royal Portrush · Newcastle · Newry, Mourne and Down District Council · Northern Ireland

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