History of Bundoran Golf Club 1894-1994

Bundoran Golf Club is a historic and picturesque golf course located in County Donegal, Ireland. Founded in 1894, the club is situated on a clifftop, offering stunning views of Donegal Bay and the Wild Atlantic Way. The catalyst for the golf club was the railway, the Great Northern Railway (G.N.R.) line extended to Bundoran, and their strategy of building hotels and amenities in resort locations.  The Great Northern Hotel was built in 1894 and the golf club followed quickly in the same year. The Founding Fathers were James Johnston, whose family motto was “Non Quam Non Paratus” ( I am nothing if not prepared), The Second Duke of Abercorn, a prominent member of the aristocracy whose London home was Hampden House and John Caldwell Bloomfield who was instrumental in setting up Belleek Pottery.

The original nine-hole course was designed by George L. Baillie, an English Master and prolific course designer who played a pivotal role in bringing golf to Ireland, then Cuthbert S. Butchart the Royal County Down professional was engaged to design an eighteen hole layout. By 1908 the club had hit hard times and the membership was down to twenty but the club stalwarts hung on. In 1927 the legendary golfer and architect Harry Vardon was engaged to bring it up to championship standards by re-locating tees, re-siting greens and strategic bunkering.

Bundoran had its first professional tournament in 1930 which Willie Nolan won by one stroke in a play-off. The course was further extended in 1936 and they hosted the Irish PGA Professional Championship in 1939, where P.J. Mahon secured his hat trick of titles and in 1972 where Jimmy Kinsella won the title. In 1972 it hosted the Dunlop Irish Professional Golf Tournament which was won by Eddie Polland who took the £600 first prize and a similar amount from the local bookie where he had back himself at 12 to 1. Christy O’Connor Snr. was professional at the club between 1951-1957 and married Mary Collins in 1954 and they settled in Bundoran.

The course is an 18-hole, par 70 layout that presents a variety of challenges to golfers. As a clifftop links course, it features natural undulations, strategically placed bunkers, and the ever-present influence of coastal winds. The design emphasizes straight shots and precision, making it a test for even the most experienced golfers.

One of the standout holes at Bundoran is the par-3 13th, known for its breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the challenging tee shot over a ravine. Another notable hole is the par-4 17th, which requires a well-placed drive to avoid the bunkers and a precise approach to a well-guarded green.