Rory McIlroy names most challenging hole at Royal County Down as the Amgen Irish Open starts

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Rory McIlroy is back in familiar surroundings this week as the Amgen Irish Open gets underway at Royal County Down.

The four-time major winner won the Irish Open back in 2016 and placed in the top 15 during last year’s edition at the K Club.

McIlroy’s 2016 Irish Open win was a career highlight, and there’s no doubt a victory at the stunning Royal County Down would rank among his favourites.

Rory McIlroy details the challenges of the 7th hole at the Irish Open

• READ MORE: Rory McIlroy shares what he will never forget about the 2019 Open at Royal Portrush

Links conditions will test the DP World Tour’s best on Northern Ireland’s East Coast. The iconic venue is familiar to McIlroy, and the world number three has admitted the 7th hole will be particularly challenging.

“Is there — there’s so many [challenging holes],” McIlroy explained. “I think the collection of par 3s is very good here. I think the 7th hole is 140 yards, and especially today, with the wind blowing off the right, you’re standing on a tee wondering how you’re going to hit the green.”

The Northern Irishman went on to name more holes at Royal County Down which will be testing this week.

McIlroy continued: “But I think a lot of those, like the fourth hole, another par 3, you miss the green there, and it provides you — can you put it from those run-offs, can you bump-and-run it, can you chip it?

“But the golf course provides you with so many different options, even the tee shots. The second and third tee shots, you can driver and 3-wood or an iron. “Fifth hole, you can hit an iron off the tee or hit driver and be more aggressive. It’s nice to think a little bit about your strategy.”

Royal County Down: Iconic venue for the 2024 Irish Open

Those playing in the 2024 Irish Open are exceptionally fortunate. Royal County Down, as previously mentioned, is one of the most revered golf courses not just in the UK but around the world.

RDC ranked sixth in Golf Top 100 in 2023/24, number one in Golf Digest’s Top 100 Greatest Courses in 2024 and is also ranked the most scenic golf course in Great Britain and Ireland.

What’s more, YouTube star Rick Shiels recently filmed a video at the venue and named the course as one of the best he’s ever played during his 12 years of filming content.

Considering the venue, the likes of McIlroy, Shane Lowry and Aaron Rai participating comes as no surprise.