County Louth Golf Club : The Baltray Century 1892-1992

County Louth Golf Club, affectionately known as “Baltray,” was founded in 1892. The club is located in the historic Boyne Valley region on the East coast of Ireland, approximately 4 miles from Drogheda. The club was established by local enthusiasts, including George Henry Pentland and Thomas Gilroy, who saw the potential of the linksland at Baltray.

The club officially opened its doors in 1892, with the original course designed by Thomas Gilroy. Over the years, the club has been managed and maintained by dedicated families such as the Connollys, Gannon, Garvey, Lyon, McGuirks and Reddans, who have contributed to its worldwide recognition. It was Philomena Garvey and Clarrie Reddan who initially put the golf club on the map as they represented their club and Ireland with such distinction across the globe.

In 1938, the course redesign, for a fee of £40, was presented by renowned golf architects Tom Simpson and his assistant Molly Gourlay. Messrs Sutton and Sons of Reading were contracted to carry out the work for a gee of £1854.10s. Their design has stood the test of time, with only minor alterations since then and the new links were opened on the 24 July 1938 by Jimmy Bruen and caddie on the day was Kevin Garvey, the winner of the 1942 East of Ireland.

The course has hosted many major tournaments including the Irish Open Golf Championship, national and provincial championships, Vagliano Trophy and The Open Championship regional qualifiers. In 2025 it will host the Boys Amateur Championship. In 1987 Lee Trevino, Arnold Palmer played a match against Christy O’Connor Snr and Des Smyth (who had been made an honorary member of the club the previous year).

County Louth Golf Club is known for providing one of the purest and fairest tests of links golf in the world. The course is a par 72, measuring 7,031 yards from the back tees. It is considered challenging due to its varied hole directions and the ever-changing coastal winds.