Additional information
| Author(s) | Russell, Dermot J. |
|---|---|
| Dustwrapper | |
| Illustrations By | |
| Irish Interest | |
| Pages | |
| Year of Publication |
Cork Golf Club, 1888-1988
Cork Golf Club was founded in 1888 by prominent Cork businessmen. Initially located at Rathcooney Hill above Glanmire village, the club moved several times before settling at its current location in Little Island in 1897, initially laying out just four holes among working limestone quarries. In 1898 the club appointed David Brown, a professional from Edinburgh, who remained with the club until his retirement in 1926. In 1901 he extended the course nine holes.
Over time, the course was expanded to 18 holes. Harry Vardon was invited over in 1909 and his opinion sought on the suitability of lands, known locally as ‘The Park’, which had become available for lease and were being considered by the club for the extension. Despite the embarrassing fact that as a professional he was forbidden entry to the club house, Vardon approved the concept and David Brown was tasked with the new design which came into play by 1911.
The course was designed by the renowned golf architect Alister MacKenzie in 1924-1925. MacKenzie proposed three entirely new holes, created new greens and, radically, installed sand filled bunkers. Major Charles MacKenzie, Alister’s brother, of the British Golf Course Construction Company carried out the construction work.The course features his signature undulating greens and large, free-form bunkers and this layout closely approximates the course in play to this day.
The course was continuously upgraded and modernized without impinging on the MacKenzie template and other architects were brought in to consult on lengthening the course and tree dispersion including Frank Pennick, Dave Thomas and Robert Trent Jones snr. In 2010 Hawtree Ltd. were brought in the bring the course up to USGA specifications and this included re-modelling tees and re-bunkering to align with MacKenzie’s original vision for the course.
The club also hosted the 1932 Irish Open, won by Alf Padgham, and the 1965 Carroll’s International together with numerous national and provincial titles. Cork Golf Club is a historic and prestigious golf club with a rich heritage and a beautiful course designed by one of the greatest golf architects of all time. It continues to be a beloved venue for golf enthusiasts and a testament to Ireland’s golfing tradition.
