I played the BEST golf course on the planet (absolutely incredible)

Watch Rick Shiels take on Royal County Down, one of the world’s top golf courses. Set in the stunning landscape of Northern Ireland, this historic course challenges Rick with its iconic fairways, deep bunkers, and breathtaking views of the Mourne Mountains. Follow Rick as he navigates the tricky holes and shares his insights on playing at this legendary course, blending his expertise with the natural beauty and rich history of Royal County Down.
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Hi I’m Rick Shiels, welcome to my channel! This KZbin channel is designed to help you play better golf, also to help you enjoy your golf more!
I specialise in golf equipment reviews, golf instruction & I play against some of the best golfers in the world!
I also want to make you play better golf by providing coaching video on all topics about golf, how to fix your slice, fix your hook, help you drive the golf ball longer, hit your irons more pure, hit your irons closer to the hole and help you draw and fade your golf shots.
I will also help you lower your score by chipping better by stopping you duff and thin chips, pitch the ball closer and also create backspin. Also I will provide you help to putt better and hole more putts!

[@RickShielsPGA]

Plan your next Golf Tour to Ireland or Scotland with mygolfGroup Travel. Check out their website here - www.mygolfgrouptravel.com.

[@petechristofelo559]

Scotland vs Ireland for the best courses?

[@garyco766]

If I had to make 1 suggestion on your videos, it would be that would don't need to hear how nice it would be to birdie every time you hit a green and have a 50 ft putt, or every time you tee off on a hole that isn't a 480yd par 4. We all know it'd be nice to birdie, because it's ALWAYS nice to birdie, but stop thinking about it until you have a 10 footer or less for bird. Even more so for the legendary "hole in 1" that has never once happened. It doesn't make us sit up in anticipation, just roll our eyes.

[@MegaVEGA7k]

Ok budy. Lol

[@stephenwhelan51]

There are at least two courses that are comparable in Tasmania . Barnbougle and Lost Farm in the north east of the state are both public courses rated in the top twenty but nderrated re views and playability . Cape Wickham on Kng Island is mind blowing … he should get out more 😂

[@willfazackerley]

As one of the greenkeepers at RCD, it’s always nice to hear that the hard work us lads put in every days gets appreciated. Lots more to do before the open next month. Great video and very, very lucky with the weather 😂

[@DPK12]

Good job lads, walked a few holes last year and it was impressive 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@noahnowicki4854]

For someone who really appreciates the land formations of golf courses, it is quite overlooked when out playing golf, but Rick is right this place is miraculously beautiful . Well done Rick

[@LaunderganGolf]

That course is the most beautiful course I've ever seen!

[@sgttoxiiczz]

If you've not seen it already, have a look at lofoten course in Norway. Another breathtaking course.

[@goutfromfriedokra]

it's an easy course but beautiful. A real test of golf is in the US, where greens are actually fast

[@Hittingitstiff]

@@goutfromfriedokra It's not easy at all. It's a links course. And like pretty much all links courses (other than probably Carnoustie, which is just hard) the difficulty is determined by the weather. Also, fast greens don't really test good golfers (often they're actually easier to putt on), firm greens are the real challenge.

[@poka9586]

C'mon man...a fast green doesnt make a course hard. RCD is a true links course and what makes it difficult is the weather. Playing golf with 30mph cross winds, with 6ft deep pot bunkers which force you to play sideways, thats if you can even get out of it in the first place and 2ft deep lush rough all over the place, is a hell of a lot more difficult than putting on a fast green.🤷 @goutfromfriedokra

[@IrishSpursFan]

@@goutfromfriedokra so easy Gary Player missed the cut in a Senior open then cried like a baby about the number of blind shots and the difficulty of the bunkers

[@jcmiller5848]

Played this course May 24th. What a course, the views, the shots, the greens were all wonderful. The caddies were great and so helpful. Our group played 7 courses in Ireland and ranked this as Number 1.

[@bartonstink]

Did you use a travel company for your trip or are you somewhat local?? Asking from United States. I’m curious about this golf travel companies

[@Weshopwizard]

@@bartonstinkwas gonna ask the same question.

[@goutfromfriedokra]

what were the top 3-4?

[@jcmiller5848]

@@goutfromfriedokra Royal Portrush. Ballybunion Portstewart. The majority of the group of 12 gave RCD first and then it was a close one for Portrush or Ballybunion. How can you complain when you are playing the 2025 Open course of Portrush

[@mygolfgrouptravel]

Great to have you over Rick, looking forward to seeing you back in Ireland soon!

[@santasleighz6541]

He is in Ireland now?

[@Eric__B]

Need to get rick shiels and bob does sports back together

[@kennethmckee1570]

Northern Ireland

[@brendan0138]

@@kennethmckee1570Ireland

[@Jmastives]

Tell us how you really feel about him. Bet you can't stand him.

[@briang6168]

"Is that out of bounds?" "Not yet" 🤣. Priceless Brendy.

[@Rhodri101283]

12:59 is the most meme-worthy moment I've ever seen in the Break 75 series!

[@conorfarmer159]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@steveevans4299]

Plus a great shot follows it!

[@SinbadWusuhJ3w]

Say what you want about rick (ive been critical myself) but he always takes a moment to appreciate the sea and the golf course. He could easily shrug it off and take it for granted but he's still humble and full of class.

[@skippyninjaxx]

what is there to be critical about?

[@robertcarr4172]

Thats what i was wondering... i cant say i have ever heard a bad thing about rick.​@skippyninjaxx

[@Wild_west_84]

Well he does get plenty of time to explore it that’s for sure

[@hullis]

True, but it didnt take many bogeys to forget where he was ;)

[@trickshotz8918]

Can someone please tell me what there is to be critical about

[@glennharris]

My grandfather was born in a windmill with no electricity 20 minutes from this course and went on to lead the most amazing life here in America. Incredible video and atop my golf bucket list now.

[@stevemuza]

Having played about a dozen courses across Ireland RCD was by far one of the top experiences. The caddies are top notch, the views are breathtaking and the golf is challenging yet fun at the same time. I think Rick and team nailed the experience within this video. Seeing his reactions mimic so much of my own experience made me relive the round. Great video!

[@natecrombie]

Well on your crew for capturing the visuals so well, and for showing the INCREDIBLE green of the land.

[@petermcgivern3813]

RCD and Ardglass are 2 of the most beautiful and challenging courses in the world, I'm a county Down man and we are so proud of these courses, at the views are free.

[@snickerzz648]

This is why Rick is still better than all the other 20 something golf KZbinrs. Rick appreciates the golf, he’s a bit slower, more mature, and focused on the actual golf first before anything

[@Crossy66556]

After meeting Rick at Liv I have a new found love for this guy genuinely thought you would be a moody arse off camera like a few others but I was so so wrong. Thanks again for coming over for a photo rick

[@tajontoms9530]

Weird assessment to make. Not sure how you even got that vibe. Projecting it seems

[@Crossy66556]

@@tajontoms9530 not at all there are a few "KZbinrs" that I've met that aren't the same people off camera it was nice of rick to restored faith

[@goutfromfriedokra]

he could lose. a few stones, though

[@SebastianSelv]

@@Crossy66556need names

[@drum27]

​@@goutfromfriedokracouldn't we all..what's that got to do with anything though? Be kind man...

[@spongecake222]

I live a few miles from here, glad to see you giving this place its justice, unmatched scenery!

[@wareidav]

I would just be standing on each tee looking at the view... I could certainly see a five hour round there... Utterly Utterly stunning golf course. Well played Rick.

[@charliebad]

Big shout out to all the caddies out there ❤❤❤

[@jamescockfield422]

Got to see those mountains every day going to high school. Never gets old. Amazing part of Northern Ireland. Love the content Rick.

[@justin880]

Never been on instagram. Never been live. Thanks for the content. Beautiful course

[@davemack]

I too consider RCD the greatest of them all and having been fortunate enough to play it all my life have seen many reviews. Few have caught the visual beauty combined with the golf challenge better than this one. But what sets it apart, Rick, is the sheer joy you transmitted to just being there. Right from the start you made it very clear that nothing was going to ruin your enjoyment of this great course on a beautiful day… including your golf! By staying happy and positive despite your struggling start, you give everyone who views it a valuable lesson … that attitude is everything. In the end you were rewarded by playing it to its course rating.Many thanks. You are a true lover of the purest things in golf.

[@samjones5133]

my favorite type of rick schiels video

[@markbrown-bk1lr]

Ric sucks I've seen him play

[@codedean7094]

I live right beside this golf course. Scenery in the town is spectacular. Great for so many others to see it.

[@donothevan]

This is the most beautiful golf course I've ever seen in my life, but at 425 - 575 pounds a round I imagine it would need to be at least stunning. haha

[@LazyAdventures]

You do not realize the amount of production quality that Ricks team puts in until they are under the sun. Those rainy UK days make this look like a proper film.

[@neelbivalkar5472]

What a stunning golf course. Can only dream of playing here. Awesome video Rick. This deserved a bit longer video, just to allow us to soak in a bit more of this beautiful course.

[@chrissnape9537]

What makes this very special is there are 40 different shades of green in Ireland. Each hole looks so special bathed in all green coupled with the yellow of the Scottish broom.I have been to Ireland playing rugby vs. the Queens Academy. Unfortunately, it was early April, and the weather was terrible, so there no golf. The rugby tour was 23 days, and we played or trained on 21 of them. We were very fortunate that on our first day off, we played St. Andrews, wow. We did have a full day off in Northern Ireland, but the weather blocked us. What do you do then ? Easy straight to the pub for a liquid lunch and dinner. Our drinks of choice Guinness and Kilkenny. Not a bad second choice. The next day was training, followed the next day with one he'll of a match against Queens University. We were the Castaways from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Back then, we Canada were ranked #6 in the world. There were a handful of us who played for Canada under 20 or the senior side. I played under 20. I have been back to England and Wales once, but alas not Ireland. Maybe one day ?

[@paulmcgee1867]

It will always look good. Green is the colour humans distinguish between the best

[@bobazevedo4874]

Rick, we all know that photos never do the scenery justice, but that scenery is sublime. Want to visit and play there. Play well.

[@mvubu6823]

My all time fav. Gives me the tingles. VERY TOUGH off the back tees with intimidating driving lines. So glad Rick got to play it.

[@eoinabernethy4345]

LETS GO, straight from the IG live!! Love from Ireland 🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪

[@MALEXI10]

Here he goes, he just can't say it how it is 😂 Northern Ireland, United Kingdom 🇬🇧😛😛

[@Powertoyah32]

@@MALEXI10it’s hosting the Irish open 😂😂

[@ddha0000]

@@Powertoyah32 at a royal golf course. also the open championship at royal portrush next year.

[@jmeyer5able]

I could watch an entire video of b-roll and scenery shots of this course. Unbelievably beautiful!

[@marts5555]

Playing RCD again in October, can’t wait, unbelievable golf course, hope you enjoyed your time in Northern Ireland pal.

[@Bunty1962]

Pleasure watching this, the production is brilliant well done to all. The course is unbelievable and even trickier on a very wet and windy day. I played the course once and was 2 over, then I played the other 17 holes.

[@zak1102]

Loving the videos in my own wee country! Class to play the big ones but so many hidden gems. N.I is the spot for golf!

[@jonstacey83]

He should do a hidden gem series!

[@mkjouhar1]

I didnt care much for Ricks channel before but you have a new subscriber now. That was stunning , left my jaw dropped for a couple minutes. That is a dream destination for me now. Just got to find something for the GF to do and were off. !!!

[@TheStevenShow01]

awesome video man! keep up the great golf!

[@Grecianfan1]

I no longer play golf, but if ever there was a course to bring me back, this would be it. Absolutely stunning.

[@andyphillips4759]

Have come over from Instagram live.. can't wait to see this!!

[@brittensmusic2692]

What a stunning course. Looked amazing as the sun started to set. Ireland bathed in glory. Great round Rick. Lets not forget you were playing from the blues so it was a great score.

[@philiphaywood-h2c]

Came from instagram stayed for the golf course. 👌

[@MarkEvans-hk6in]

I wouldn’t be able to play there, I’d be too busy looking at the scenery & views instead of concentrating on my golf - looks absolutely amazing. Thanks Rick for making me very envious 😂, another good video at a stunning course 👍⛳️🏌🏼‍♂️

[@brianmcgowan5218]

You need to get rid of that driver it's costing you too many shots, think chasing extra distance is causing you to spray the ball all over the place

[@paulmcgee1867]

I think someone says the same every time he plays! There’s a message there somewhere 😂

[@DakotaScherrer]

It’s a skill issue

[@darrenrider5676]

This was filmed before he changed his driver. This was the darkspeed, but he's now using darkspeed max

[@alexporter3719]

@@darrenrider5676he should in reality be using a QI10 Max or a Ping G430 Max but he for some reason doesn’t want to sacrifice that 10 yards

[@olie6403]

@@alexporter3719realistically he just needs to fix his poor swing

[@TravisPhipps01]

This is one of my favorite of Rick's videos. The footage of the course was amazing. So well done.

[@J2O567]

I swear, someone needs to makes a clip of all his « aaaaaaarrrrhhh » grunts, it’s amazing how many times he does it in a round

[@JeDxDeVu]

Just pushed it

[@kevthepongo]

Been thinking same but I'm a tech luddite. A Rick Shiels oooh, aaargh, uuurgh, medley would smash the internet. It does my nut in. I've had to start muting it 😢

[@lukejamessmith5819]

It’s kinda starting to make me want to turn videos off and I hate saying that because followed Rick for years

[@lukejamessmith5819]

This video would have been better if there wasn’t the break 75 pressure! Should just start playing these courses for fun Rick. First three holes and I am going to have to force myself to watch you beat yourself up trying to hit an unrealistic target. Sorry man trying to say this without sounding like I’m hating because I’m really not

[@jwilder2251]

It’s called breathing. It’s part of playing golf, and living in general

[@paullefevre8684]

At about 12:15, the shot of Rick putting with the city and fog and mountains in the background is absolutely stunning. Great video, Rick (and team!).

[@celticmist42]

Love the chatty round Rick and what a course, big wow, thanks for sharing. But in coaching parlance, you got to believe to do Rick. Most times you start by aspiring to possibilities but then talking yourself out of shots. As for the putts and short putts missed like 17, look at your own video, again your head is lifting as you strike the ball, so a limp putt that not surprisingly is slightly pulled and falls off the hole left. So no, despite what you said after about your thinking the ball was in, it was never going in. My old coach used to say from 10 foot in, stay down on the putt until you hear the ball drop. Thanks again and keep us entertained Rick!

[@GH-ru9kk]

You’re never going to get any better at chipping if you keep turning easy chips into difficult putts. Surprised you didn’t putt your second shot on #10 lol.

[@spencer6081]

Outstanding advice! I’m sure the PGA pro that makes his living playing golf for millions of subscribers will appreciate your valuable input!!!

[@TheAllhailben7]

I feel like the practice green is where you should practice shots. Not on the golf course during a serious round

[@builtat_the_beach1516]

​@spencer6081 u don't even know the difference between a pga pro and a club pro lol he def isn't a pga pro 😂

[@jwilder2251]

Course is stunning. Looks like fantasy. Well played, Rick!

[@LLCOOLJARED1]

I am not here from insta live, Jesus christ

[@whocares3986]

Instagram is cancer. 😂

[@rj3_golf]

lol “I’m here from insta live” bro these people are brainwashed

[@nath-wp7xp]

What happened on the Insta live?

[@StayStroking]

He offered swag, I don’t think we’re brainwashed we just want free stuff. Respect the grind

[@DIARRHEA-PANIC]

Never heard of it 🤔

[@matthiaskreuziger9647]

best grading I‘ve seen in youtube golf. nice work, whoever did it.

[@ianhester5277]

Played well Rick! Great to see. And the cameraman/editor deserve a pint

[@atreyuwings]

I didn’t come from insta or fb. I just follow Rick and my feed tells me bout these gems when I open the tube

[@davewylie654]

So just to be able to play that track is epic!! But to combine it with that day?? WOW!!! I bet they don't get 20 days a year with those conditions. So good and thanks for taking us along!!! Hell of a putt on #5

[@joshwaaam]

The drone shot on 14 was sweet, I'll mention I came from the insta live too and watching before hitting the range with my dad!

[@andyfrizzell4352]

Lovely course, thanks for the tour. You are right some of the views don't even look real

[@NeesyPlaysGuitar]

County Down in particular is an amazingly beautiful part of Ireland.

[@kayeso]

Have volunteered to marshall round here for the Irish Open this year. I hope we get days like this. Absolutely beautiful place.

[@brentbamberger6573]

The camera angle of your ball flight entering the 14th green was nuts! Love that. (Also, humble brag but I put my tee shot within 1 inch of the hole when I played there 2 weeks ago).

[@matthewthiesing9044]

Rick, I took a Northern Ireland golf trip for my 40th. County Down and Portrush are my #1 and #2 favorite golf courses. I live in Oregon USA and you MUST come play Bandon Dunes. It's Disney for golfers. And while you're here, the L.A.B. Golf HQ and production facility is on the way to Bandon. I'll host.

[@Waschu]

Video quality is absolutely unbelievable! I watched your first course vlog back in the day and this is light-years from that! Well done Rick! 😍

[@danjeory3659]

I never realised the Mournes were so rugged. I always thought they were small rolling hills. That's phenomenal. It's like having a world-class course in the middle of Snowdonia! Stunning.

[@mickmo4700]

I was lucky enough to play Royal County Down twice with a member (£20) and Rick is spot on, perfectly manicured and naturally rough. Beautiful but tough and an unforgettable experience.

[@KDG702]

Super amazing video. I've heard of this course but have never seen much imagery of it, so it was a real treat watching this and seeing the gorgeous scenery and genius design of that course. Fantastic content.

[@enduring_prophet]

Hole 6: R- Driver? B- No 3 wood here. Brandy knows Rick’s to giddy to be consistent with the driver and needs to play smart golf 😂😂😂

[@antonylacroix6475]

I travel there every year my favourite place on earth

[@dugganater]

Wow, what a beautiful place! How blessed we are to have the game of golf

[@Timeforleisure-r5x]

Thank you. That's great.

[@garyosborne8906]

Great round, Rick. New course to you and tough for anyone…..even a tour pro. You should be proud of your play and I really appreciate your love of the game and respect for the natural beauty of the course. It looks amazing and the video was fun to watch and that is all that we could ask for.

[@IndyJohn81]

Love the content, love the course mixes and club reviews too. This is a bucket list course for me too! I could fill a few buckets with links courses; however, and this would be one at the top. Keep up the great content. As someone who may never get to see such places it was great to watch this.

[@mikecarlstrom6749]

My wife has family 45 minutes from here in mayobridge. The first time we traveled to Ireland together they took us here. I was able to look onto this amazing course, I did not play it. My game is somewhat better now, so maybe one day I can play it and not do it again disservice. This place is almost mythical. Great to see you play here.

[@natealger4205]

The views were absolutely spectacular.

[@johnfrgsn84]

Some of the better golf i have seen from you mate. Well done. Most beautiful coarse you ever played, and it’s not close.

[@JonPriston-ds9ec]

A friend of mine is a member here, Sunningdale and St.Andrews and rates this better than both. What a stunning course

[@franktrierweiler371]

Great video Rick! Just got back from Ireland yesterday. We played Adare, Doonbeg, Tralee, Old Head and Portmarnock. While they were all great, Old Head is a very special place! It is simply breathtaking! Ireland itself is very special! Great golf, great people and great food and drink! 🍻

[@halpenny16]

I am a 15 handicap got to play this course last year through work played off the whites. Eagled the 11th hole 7 wood off the tee and 8 iron into the green a few bounces and into the hole. Still remember the feeling and how much shouting I done lol. Best course in the world for me too.

[@greggrappoport1101]

Wow what a place Rick. Thanks for showing us. You are truly blessed to play at these stunning courses.

[@Priceypricey940]

Nice video Rick - I'm lucky enough to be an Englishman living in NI and the golf is ridiculous. The locker rooms with all the pictures of the greats that have played there make you appreciate what a place it is. Played it twice and two very different rounds.. Plus the Guinness was decent.

[@jphil3174]

My absolute favorite course!! What a beautiful place.

[@danhodge6726]

Beautiful course. Liked the caddie and his comments.

[@johnwatt72]

The view from that 4th tee! Wow, absolutely beautiful! You could stand there for ages looking at that , stunning course 😮👍

[@johndonohoe3778]

I’m almost at the pint that I can’t watch you play golf any longer Rick. You’re playing in heaven here. You insist on hitting the F ing driver on most par 4’s and then…. Dump that driver and I’ll watch the new review vid on your new one. 😂 Heaven on earth this course. Devils wand in your hand.

[@robertflint4115]

When I first saw Rick on this course, I had thought he passed away and was doing a video from Heaven. 🤘😎

[@dwaynekoblitz6032]

What an absolute BEAUTY OF A COURSE!! Stunning!! Your voice by 13 was enough. My game of golf exactly. As soon as my voice leaves I walk off. The fun is over. Of course I've never played a course so beautiful. Very close. But no, not that stunning.

[@TheDebtCollector1]

Thank you for showing the good side of our wee country

[@aj.lepper702]

Those clouds though 👌☁️🌥️

[@jackfitzgerald4245]

Was blessed to play the best links course in the world, RCD, twice last September!!! Thanks Rick for bringing back some good memories!!

[@wdrambour]

what a beautiful tract of land. Beautiful course.

[@vstrom4life]

What a beautiful place! Thanks for taking us along! Love the channel

[@andywright365]

Wow that view from the 4th tee was stunning, genuinely gave me goosebumps! Would love to play RCD but i doubt i'll ever have the capability or means to do so

[@davidmahoney6321]

What a beautiful golf course. Great content Rick!

[@B.Sweezy]

Rick enjoyed every bit of this one.. from every angle

[@TheChiefJS67]

My favorite RSG video ever. What a course.

[@BJTHETXREALTOR]

Wow! Just incredible views. This is why I love playing golf. The scenery just adds so much to the experience.

[@liammcclean1336]

That view from the 4th tee is the highlight of the day for me! Incredibly beautiful scenes 👌

[@elliotthorton8431]

Camera work and how you've captured the course is absolutely incredible. Elite content Rick and team ❤

[@GreenNgold7]

Really enjoying the Ireland videos so far Rick, it’s rare I complete the videos when guy is on but these are the perfect length

[@Nutz4Golf]

Thanks for showing us this beautiful course. Your video team did a great job presenting this stunning vista

[@joeymurray7806]

What a stunning course.

[@TheGolfers0207]

That looked incredible and a solid round Ricky Shiels.

[@Stalian]

The instagram live goes crazy you know to good brother 🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️