Ballycastle Golf Club 1890-1990

Ballycastle Golf Club was established as a nine-hole course in 1890 by twenty-six golfing enthusiasts led by Naval Commander Alfred Malcolm Causton. Miss Kathleen Boyd, an enthusiastic golfer and instrumental in setting up the ladies branch, provided the land on the Boyd family estate rent free for the first twenty years. Initially known as the Warren Links due to the numerous rabbit holes in the turf, the club quickly became a founding member of the Golf Union of Ireland in 1891. The course was extended to 18 holes in 1926 and has remained largely unchanged since. For nearly forty years since its formation golf couldn’t be played on the Sabbath. The course was redesigned in 1906 by an unknown architect to accommodate 12 holes, and later extended to 18 holes in 1926. The course features a mix of parkland and links holes, with stunning views of Rathlin Island and the Mull of Kintyre. It is known for its elevation changes and scenic views.

In its early years, the club benefited from the generosity of Miss Kathleen Isobel Boyd, who allowed the use of the Warren free of rent for the first twenty years. This enabled the club to establish itself without the burden of property costs.
In the 1920s, the club faced controversy when it decided to no longer allow the Annual Sports to be held on its course, leading to a legal dispute with the Ballycastle Regatta and Sports Committee. The rift was eventually healed in 1943. The club is privately owned and operated, with a membership that includes both local and international golfers. Mabel Harrison married Frank Casement whose family were synonymous with Ballycastle and this is where she would continue with her golf.