Ballybunion Golf Club : an illustrated centenary history 1893-1993

Ballybunion Golf Club, located in County Kerry, Ireland, was founded in 1893. The club was initially established by officers of the Black Watch Regiment and local enthusiasts who laid out the first nine golf holes on land that had been provided rent free from Mr George Hewson. The club faced financial difficulties early on but was revived in 1906 by Colonel Bartholomew, Mr. B.J. Johnstone, Patrick McCarthy, and John Macauley.

In 1888 the Listowel & Ballybunion Railway was opened using the nine mile Lartigue monorail concept which had been patented by Charles Lartigue which made the village of Ballybunion much more accessible. The line was closed in 1924 due to the troubles linked to the Civil War 1922-23 and lack of funding.

The original course was designed by James McKenna in 1893 with later modifications by Capt. Lionel Hewson in 1906, Messrs Carter and Sons (James Braid as consultant architect is conjecture) in 1927 and Tom Simpson/Molly Gourlay in the 1930s which had the most significant impact on the current course layout and were select over Colt/Allison/Morrison and James Braid.

Eddie Hackett was engaged to redesign the Cashen Course in 1975 but the plans were put on hold. In 1977 Sean Walsh launched the Save Ballybunion Links Coastal Erosion Fund with a target of £100k (final donations £175k) as the seventh was threatened with extinction and the authorities were doing little about it despite the 400 members and 10,000 visitors that would be effected. It might explain the decision not to proceed with the Hackett design at that time or his design may have taken it into account. Sea-Gabbions (rectangular baskets made of hexagonal steel) were used to literally stop the tide of destruction.

Later the club engaged Robert Trent Jones, Sr. to design the Cashen Course/Ballybunion (New) in 1984 which he considered to be the finest piece of linksland in the world. The 178 acre land for the course had been purchased from the Finnucane family in 1968 and he presented three possible designs for the club’s consideration. Peter Dobereiner writes: “(Trent) had decided that Ballybunion (New) would be his monument, the ultimate statement of his golfing philosophy..” Tom Watson has been engaged to make planned changes to the course layout.

Ballybunion is known for its challenging layout, with the Old Course being particularly demanding. The course features undulating fairways, deep bunkers, and fast greens, making it a test of skill for golfers of all levels. Ballybunion Golf Club is a gem of Irish golf, offering a rich history, challenging courses, and stunning coastal views.

The club has hosted the Irish Open Professional Championship (2000), Arnold Palmer Cup (2004), Carrolls No. 1 Tournament and many national championships. Its most decorated players are Pat Mulcare, Tom Corridon and Sean Quinlivan.