Could Royal County Down host an Open Championship?

If you’ve seen any of the Irish Open this week, you know that Northern Ireland’s Royal County Down is an incredible golf course. It’s easily one of the 10 best in the world. This week, as usual, it’s also posing a trying challenge.

The course chased host Rory McIlroy, reigning U.S. Open champion Martin Kaymer and world No. 7 Sergio Garcia with the 36-hole cut. A two-hole stretch late on Saturday — 8, 8 — left Rickie Fowler out of contention. Even Graeme McDowell, a professed lover of links-style golf, couldn’t stay in the hunt.

Despite Royal County Down beating him soundly this week, or maybe because of it, McDowell believes the Ulster course should host a future Open Championship.

“We don’t get to experience these conditions very much and this is raw, this is what it’s all about. This is proper Open Championship golf,” McDowell said, according to Irish Golf Desk.

“You could put the grandstands up and play The Open here, but if you [play the course] wrong, it can eat you alive.”

The Irish Open was used a few years ago as a chance to showcase Royal Portrush, with the hopes that the R&A would see if could host an Open, not only in terms of the quality of course but assuaging logistical concerns. Ultimately, the plan worked. Portrush is set to host the 2019 Open.

Portrush is special, but Down, which hosted the 2000 and 2001 Senior Open Championships, is better. Get it in the rota.

Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.

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