Hermitage Golf Club Celebrating 100 Years 1905-2005

Hermitage Golf Club, located on the outskirts of Dublin in the picturesque Liffey Valley, was founded in 1905. Originally known as the County Dublin Golf Club, the name was changed to Hermitage in 1906 to avoid confusion with the Royal Dublin Golf Club. The club was established by a group of members from Lucan Golf Club who leased the land to create a nine-hole course.

The land on which Hermitage Golf Club is situated has a rich history, having been owned by various notable families over the centuries. The five lime trees and there association with the five knights and the maiden are, together with the Hermit’s Cell, part of the folklore of the area and is depicted on the golf club’s crest. The Crozier family acquired the land in 1885 and played a significant role in leasing it to the golf club in 19051. The club has since been a beloved venue for golf enthusiasts and has hosted numerous memorable victories, including the Irish Ladies winning the European Women’s Amateur Championship in 1979.

The club officially opened its doors in 1905, and its design has evolved over the years to become the 18-hole parkland course it is today. The original course was designed by James McKenna the professional at Carrickmines G.C. but had previous involvement in the layout of Waterville, Ballybunion and Lahinch. Martin Hawtree was consulted in regard to compensation (£240k) for the CPO to build a motorway in the late 70s. In the early 90s Eddie Connaughton was engaged to bring the greens up to USGA specifications and at the start of the new millennium Jeff Howes and Erich Steiner submitted plans to maintain and enhance the parkland nature of the course.

The club has seen various property deals over the years, with the land originally leased from the Crozier family in 1905. The course has expanded and been maintained through the efforts of its members and the support of the local community. There new clubhouse was opened on the 4 May 1969.

The signature holes are: 10th Hole: A 155-meter Par 3 with an elevated tee and a well-protected green. 9th Hole: A 512-meter Par 5 with the river along the right-hand side, requiring precision to avoid a watery grave and 2nd Hole: A 400-meter Par 4 with water on the left and tree-lined fairway, demanding accuracy off the tee.

Some notable golfers from the Hermitage include Miss Frances Mabel Harrison, Dr. John D. McCormack, Eithne Pentony, Pat Fletcher (nee Sherlock), Valerie Hassett and Stephen Browne. Their Men’s Scratch Cup was inaugurated in 1966 and the ladies six years later, both have an impressive list of winners.