Rory McIlroy says what is ‘unfortunate’ about Royal County Down after shooting 68 on day one of the Irish Open

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Royal County Down is the host of the 2024 Amgen Irish Open, and Rory McIlroy is off to a fast start at the stunning Newcastle venue.

McIlroy is looking to control his emotions and land his second Irish Open title after winning at the K Club in 2016.

The Northern Irishman carded a three-under 68, which included three birdies to close his round. McIlroy ended the first day just two shots back of leader Todd Clements.

McIlroy anticipated a challenge at Royal County Down, and the Northern Irishman spoke of his admiration for the famous venue after Thursday’s play.

Rory McIlroy makes Open Championship claim about Royal County Down

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Royal County Down is revered as one of the best courses on the planet. The scenic views and true test of golf make it one of the most desirable courses on any golfer’s list.

However, due to its location and relative isolation, Royal County Down isn’t on the Open Championship rota, something McIlroy believes is a shame.

“Yeah, I think so. I mean, yeah, in terms of, like, difficulty of the golf course, yeah. Saying that I found Troon very difficult. More difficult than this,” McIlroy said after his first round.

“It’s a major championship-calibre golf course,” McIlroy added. “It’s just unfortunate that we don’t have the infrastructure around the golf course to host something like an Open because if we did, it definitely would be able to host an Open Championship.”

“It’s just limited the amount of people you can get in here and logistically it doesn’t quite make sense.”

How much it costs to play Royal County Down

As mentioned, Royal County Down is near the top of any golfer’s bucket list, but how much will it set the average golfer back?

Firstly, anyone who wants to play the course during the upcoming winter should think again. Royal County Down’s Championship Course is shut between November 2024 and March 2025, presumably so renovations can take place.

However, from mid-April, a mid-day morning round will cost £425, and the same fee applies in the afternoon. For those with extra energy, 36 holes cost a whopping £575.

Sunday afternoon fees are £425, and the course is not open to visitors on Saturdays. Furthermore, a caddie, which is a requirement, costs £110, and must be paid in cash.