Rathfarnham Golf Club 1899-1999 Centenary History

Rathfarnham Golf Club was founded in 1899. Initially located at Butterfield House in Rathfarnham, it started as a nine-hole course on approximately 50 acres of land. “New Golf links have been established at Butterfield, Rathfarnham, the lands of which, containing about 50 acres, were duly surveyed by T. Hood, Professional of The Royal Dublin Golf Club, who indicated the best positions for the greens and tees, and reports that a very pretty and sporting course, with nine holes to start with, had been secured. Mr. John Lumsden and other competent authorities also kindly inspected the grounds and were equally pleased with the new links”. However, in 1966, the club moved to its present location in Newtown, enriching its legacy and enhancing its offerings.

The course at Rathfarnham Golf Club was designed by several architects over the years: Thomas Hood, the Royal Dublin Professional, 1899; John Jacobs designed the original course in 1966; P. Merrigan made contributions in 1999 and Jeff Howes further enhanced the course in 2005 and 2014. Rathfarnham thrived as a 9 holes golf course from its foundation until its Centenary Year in 1999. Developments during the succeeding years increased the course to 15 holes and finally to 18 holes in 2015.