Additional information
| Author(s) | Reid, Austin |
|---|---|
| Dustwrapper | |
| Illustrations By | |
| Irish Interest | |
| Pages | |
| Year of Publication |
A History of Limerick Golf Club 1891-1991
Limerick Golf Club was founded in 1891, making it one of the oldest golf clubs in Ireland. Limerick played their golf in many locations (Ballinacurra, Dooradoyle, Castletroy , Ballysheedy) before finally settling in Ballyclough on the southern outskirts of Limerick City on 21 June 1919. The club is situated on the original site of Roxboro Castle and grounds and the driving force behind it was Sir Alexander Shaw (1847-1923) a prominent businessman who had travelled extensively through Europe and was very familiar with the game. Shaw would also become one of the founding members of Lahinch Golf Club in 1892. The club is a private members’ club.
Mr Balligal from the Adare Estate and who was involved in a previous design, likely designed the original course at Ballyclough but Lionel Hewson was involved in a redesign of 18-holes in 1925 but within a few years was being derided for its length (or lack thereof). A further redesign was carried out in 1927 by Dr. Alister MacKenzie, the architect behind Lahinch and Augusta National. MacKenzie’s plans were for the creation of six new greens as a matter of priority with other plans around the tees and siting of bunkers of secondary importance. By 1937 Mr McAllister, a professional from Portmarnock/Malahide, was engaged to redesign and incorporate new holes on the recently acquired land. At the time they had unsuccessfully sought quotes from Tom Simpson and James Braid. In the sixties John D. Harris of C.K. Cotton was brought in to survey the course and recommend changes but apart from tree planting the committee took little action.
Walter Hagen and Joe Kirkwood played, and lost, an exhibition match against John Burke and Stanley Martyn on the 9 September 1937. Over the years, it has hosted numerous championships, including the JP McManus Invitational Pro-Am (1990,1995,2000). Both Tiger Woods and Mark O’Meara were conferred with Honorary Life Membership in 2001. Notable players from the club have included Joe Harrington, Vincent Nevin, Pat Murray, Ivan Morris, Tim Rice and Cian McNamara.
