Westport, 100 Years of Golf: 1908-2008

Westport Golf Club was founded in 1908 as a nine-hole course at Trafalgar Park by six founding members. There was a gap in the continuity of the club around the beginning of WWI but it reappeared again at Carrowholly which was 3.5 miles north of the town. The nine-hole course was designed by Jack Sullivan a professional associated with Ballybunion and Dollymount. For nearly a decade before their next move various locations were being considered and initially these sites were reviewed by John Harris (G. X. Batton & Co.) at Bord Failte’s suggestion and a site at Belclare would be put forward by Harris. During this period Lord Sligo was floating the idea of having a championship golf course on his Westport Estate which is where if finally ended up but not without a significant amount of horse trading between all the parties involved.

In 1973, the club relocated to its current location, a stunning 260-acre parkland on the shores of Clew Bay. The new course was designed by renowned architect Fred W. Hawtree and opened in 1975. Westport Golf Club has hosted several prestigious tournaments, including the Irish Amateur Close Championship, the Smurfit Irish PGA Championship, and the AIG Cups & Shields All-Ireland Finals.