A Centenary Journey from Robin Hood to Newlands 1910 – 2010 – Newlands Golf Club

Newlands Golf Club, nestled in the western suburbs of Dublin, Ireland, is a historic club with a rich tradition. Founded in 1910, the club started off as the Robin Hood Golf Club until 1925 and believed to have been located near the current site of the Red Cow Inn. William Butler would, as the club’s first professional, have laid out this course. Following the purchase of a 300 year lease a new course was opened in January 1921. In 1925 the golf club moved to the Newlands Demesne and James Martin who replaced Moses O’Neill (unwillingness to leave the sale of golf balls in the hands of the professional) in 1925 had a significant role to play in getting things up and running.

While the original course layout may have been influenced by the classic links courses of Scotland, specific details about the initial architect are not widely available. Over the years, the course has undergone various improvements and modifications to maintain its high standards. After a number of CPOs (Compulsory Purchase Orders) involving the lands at Newlands the plan was put in place to redevelop the Newlands and Jeff Howes Golf Design was engaged to carry out the work with a budgeted cost of €1.75m.

Newlands Golf Club offers a challenging test of golf, particularly from the back tees. The course is characterized by its strategic bunkering, undulating fairways, and well-protected greens. The par-3 13th hole, with its elevated tee and stunning views of the course, is often considered the signature hole.

Some of the more notable players at the club Peter Lawrie, Brian Omelia, Cian Curley, Jake Whelan and the legendary John Burke who nominated Newlands as his home club for a number of the championship wins.