Now here’s a challenge for every golfer to enjoy, but don’t go there if your game is even slightly off!

Blind shots are common place at Royal County Down, not only with the drives, but if you stray off line you need to be nine feet tall to see where the next shot is going. It is not uncommon to march over the dunes to find that one of the numerous bunkers has gobbled up your ball like a drain catches water. If that sounds negative then it’s probably a reflection on a lack of our ability and this course would make a fantastic Open venue if all the infrastructure factors could be accommodated.

If you are lucky enough to play here, pause for a moment on the 9th tee – an unparalleled view of a perfect links golf hole where you could blissfully sit for hours – such is the fantastic vista from this elevated tee.

The closely mown fairways, fast sloping greens and innumerable gorse bushes provide a very stern test of ability and mental strength, but if you fancy yourself as a golfer, then put this course very much at the top of your list.