Golf

Royal County Down. With a stunning backdrop of mountains and sea, Royal County Down is a links course with craterlike bunkers and small dunes; catch it on the right day at the right time, and you may think you're on the moon. For better players, every day is the right one. Back in his day, Harry Vardon labeled it the toughest course in the Emerald Isle, and if you can't hit your drive long and straight, you may find it so. No visitors are allowed on Wednesday or Saturday. 36 Golf Links Rd., Newcastle, Co. Down, BT33 0AN. 028/4372–3314; www.royalcountydown.org. Championship: weekdays and Sat. £250, Sun. £280; Annesley: £50. Visitors: Sun.–Tues., Thurs., and Fri. (Championship); daily (Annesley).