Kenmare Golf Club – An illustrated Centenary History 1903-2003

Kenmare Golf Club was founded in 1903. The club was established by Percy Joy and other founding members. Initially a 9-hole course it was designed by David Browne of Cork Golf Club located within 200 yards of the Southern Hotel and half-a-mile from the GSWR railway station. The land was rented from The Marquis of Lansdowne K.G. for a nominal rent. Mr Percy Joy, a member of the Irish constabulary, was the main driving force behind the club other founding members included Lionel Hewson. The club is a members’ club, with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

George Houghton wrote about his 1964/65 visit to the club in his book ‘ Golf Addict Amongst the Irish’ when it was still a nine-hole course. If nothing else you have to love the names of two of their holes Purgatory and Pearl Harbour even if the latter name has been shelved since.

In 1993, the club undertook a development plan which involved purchasing lands, 50 acres at a cost of £190k, on the northern side of the Killowen road to extend the course to 18 holes. The three hotels Sheen Falls, Park and Kenmare Bay would contribute to the costs and the rest would be Bord Failte and the membership. It was extended to 18 holes in 1993 by Eddie Hackett, one of Ireland’s premier golf course architects, with later contributions from Geoff Howes and Arthur Spring. Kenmare’s most notable player was likely the Irish International Larry McCarthy.