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Rosapenna golf club Donegal

Rosapenna golf course Donegal

Rosapenna Golf Course

Rosapenna Club Crest

Rosapenna has the distinction of being discovered by Old Tom Morris who laid out course for Earl Leitrim in 1891. Other legendry golf architects have followed with modifications and improvements, such as Harry Vardon, James Braid, the, late great Eddie Hackett Pat Ruddy. All helped create 36 finest links holes to be found anywhere.

Situated on 800, acres, in this magnificent part of the country, with a 4 star family-run hotel site. Originally an old world Norwegian style stood It burned to ground 1962. was replaced modern structure highest standard indoor leisure facilities. Rosapenna is very popular visitors and societies alike golfer are assured of welcome memorable game of golf in this haven of North West Donegal.

Rosapenna has added a new 18-holes "The Sandy Links" the creation of Pat Ruddy, I haven't had the pleasure of playing it but a Ruddy design will certainly bring me back, and this is one of Pats last designs.

Societies are welcome and group rates available.

Rosapenna's St. Patrick’s Links was voted the No. 9-ranked golf course in Ireland, by “Irish Golfer” in 2023 (Same);

Rosapenna's St. Patrick’s Links was voted the No. 9-ranked golf course in Ireland, by “Irish Golfer” in 2022;

Rosapenna's Sandy Hills was voted the No. 33-ranked golf course in Ireland, by “Irish Golfer” in 2023 )Up-1);

Rosapenna's Sandy Hills was voted the No. 34-ranked golf course in Ireland, by “Irish Golfer” in 2022;

Rosapenna's Sandy Hills was voted the No. 25-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2018 (Down-1);

Rosapenna's Sandy Hills was voted the No. 24-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2017 (Up-2);

Rosapenna's Sandy Hills was voted the No. 26-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2016 (Down-1);

Rosapenna's Sandy Hills was voted the No. 25-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2015 (Down-3);

Rosapenna's Sandy Hills was voted the No. 22-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2014 (Up-6);

Rosapenna's Sandy Hills was voted the No. 28-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2013 (Down-3);

Rosapenna's Sandy Hills was voted the No. 25-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2012;

Rosapenna's Sandy Hills was voted the No. 20-Links/Shoreline Course in Ireland by "Backspin" Irelands leading Golf magazine in 2012, the panel comprised of a selection of 52 Professional and amateur golfers throughout Ireland;

Rosapenna's Sandy Hills was voted the No. 21-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2010;

Rosapenna's Sandy Hills was voted the  No. 23-Links/Shoreline Course in Ireland by "Backspin" Irelands leading Golf magazine in 2010, the panel comprised of a selection of 52 Professional and amateur golfers throughout Ireland;

Rosapenna's Sandy Hills was voted the  No. 23-Links/Shoreline Course in Ireland by "Backspin" Irelands leading Golf magazine in 2009, the panel comprised of a selection of 52 Professional and amateur golfers throughout Ireland.

Rosapenna's Sandy Hills was voted the No. 44-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2008.

Rosapenna's Sandy Hills was voted the  No. 24-Links/Shoreline Course in Ireland by "Backspin" Irelands leading Golf magazine in 2008, the panel comprised of a selection of 52 Professional and amateur golfers throughout Ireland.

Rosapenna's Old Tom Morris was voted the No. 44-ranked golf course in Ireland, by “Irish Golfer” in 2022;

Rosapenna's Old Tom Morris was voted the No. 35-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2017 (Up-1);

Rosapenna's Old Tom Morris was voted the No. 36-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2016 (Same);

Rosapenna's Old Tom Morris was voted the No. 36-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2015 (Up-1);

Rosapenna's Old Tom Morris was voted the No. 37-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2014 (Down-3);

Rosapenna's Old Tom Morris was voted the No. 34-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2013 (Sme);

Rosapenna's Old Tom Morris was voted the No. 34-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2012;

Rosapenna's Old Tom Morris was voted the No. 33-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2010;

Green Fees St. Patrick's High Season: €240
Green Fees St. Patrick's 36-hole High Season: €350
Green Fees St. Patrick's G.I.M. High Season: €80
Green Fees Sandy Hills High Season: €180
Green Fees Sandy Hills 36-hole High Season: €270
Green Fees Sandy Hills G.I.M. High Season: €80
Green Fees 3-Links Ticket:
€495
Green Fees 3-Links Ticket G.I.M.: €210
Practice Area: Yes
Club Hire: Yes
Buggy Hire €35: Yes
Soft Spikes: Yes
Full Membership Available: Yes
Entrance Fee: None
Course Type Links
No Holes 45
Members 450
Designer Old Tom Morris & Pat Ruddy
Founded 1893
Address

Downings,
Co. Donegal

Telephone +353 (0)74-9155000
Email golf@rosapenna.ie
Website Rosapenna golf club website
Secretary/Manager: Frank T. Casey
Captain:
Lady Captain:
President:
Vice-Captain: None 
Hon. Secretary: Peter Smyth & Janet McIver
Club Pro: Noel Callan
Hon. Treasurer: Peadar Boyce & Anne McKeague
Comp. Secretary: Denis Harkin & Claire Lenny 
Rosapenna Golf Course Layout Course Layout

Location Map

GPS Coord*
Lat:55.182468
Long:-7.821279
*Please check information before travelling

General Facts & Information

Course opening hours: Daylight hours Clubhouse opening hours: 8.00am to Dusk
Mobile phones: Not on course
Dress Code: Neat and casual, no denim
Catering: Full catering, facilities in hotel Days to Avoid: None (phone in advance)
Green Fees and Societies Welcome: Midweek & Weekends Pre-booking for open Tournaments:14 Days in advance

Rosapenna Golf Club Fixtures 2024 provisional*

Open & Major Fixtures 2024 (to be Confirmed)        
Event Start Finish Type Duration
Lady Captain's Prize Saturday 8 June   Closed 1
Captain's Prize Saturday 6 July   Closed 1
Senior Scratch Cup (0 to 4) Saturday 13 April   Open 1
Junior Scratch Cup (5 to 11) Saturday 13 April   Open 1
Rosapenna Spring Links Tournament Sunday 28 April Thursday 2 May Open 5
Rosapenna Spring Links Tournament Monday 29 April
  Open 1
Rosapenna Spring Links Tournament Tuesday 30 April
  Open 1
Rosapenna Spring Links Tournament Wednesday 1 May   Open 1
Rosapenna Spring Links Tournament Thursday 2 May   Open 1
Donegal Links Classic Monday 27 May
Wednesday 29 May Open 3
Donegal Links Classic Tuesday 28 May
  Open 1
Donegal Links Classic Wednesday 29 May
  Open 1
Rosapenna Coast Links Team Championship Thursday 6 June Saturday 8 June Open 3
Rosapenna Coast Links Team Championship Friday 7 June   Open 1
Rosapenna Coast Links Team Championship Saturday 8 June   Open 1
Rosapenna Coast Links Championship
Monday 10 June Thursday 15 June Open 4
Rosapenna Coast Links Championship Tuesday 11 June   Open 1
Rosapenna Coast Links Championship Wednesday 12 June   Open 1
Rosapenna Coast Links Championship Thursday 13 June   Open 1
The Tale of Two Toms Monday 17 June Tuesday 18 June Open 2
The Tale of Two Toms Tuesday 18 June   Open 1
Rosapenna Summer Solstice Thursday 20 June   Open 1
Rosapenna Summer Links Classic Monday 26 August Wednesday 28 August Open 3
Rosapenna Summer Links Classic Tuesday 27 August   Open 1
Rosapenna Summer Links Classic Wednesday 28 August   Open 1

*Please check information before travelling

Card of the Course

KeyData
White Par 71 SSS 6,356 yd's
Yellow Par 71 SSS 5,787 yd's
Red Par 71 SSS 4,868 yd's
Blue Par 71 SSS 7,155 yd's

Card

Hole No. Blue White Yellow Par Index Red Par Index
1 495 461 434 4 3 345 4 5
2 463 411 398 4 5 315 4 13
3 177 162 123 3 15 111 3 7
4 407 346 301 4 13 238 4 11
5 493 445 417 4 7 337 4 1
6 420 390 343 4 1 327 4 15
7 196 182 174 3 17 129 3 17
8 536 487 424 5 11 380 5 9
9 441 391 375 4 9 295 4 3
Out 3,628 3,275 2,989 35   2,477 35  
10 405 365 306 4 4 258 4 12
11 186 166 139 3 10 124 3 10
12 409 330 308 4 8 250 4 16
13 522 510 495 5 16 405 5 2
14 354 321 260 4 18 231 4 18
15 450 400 371 4 6 308 4 8
16 167 140 128 3 12 102 3 14
17 487 455 444 5 14 398 5 4
18 487 394 347 4 2 315 4 6
In 3,467 3,081 2,798 36   2,391 36  
Total 7,155 6,356 5,787 71   4,868 71  
SSS                

Members Achievements

Rosapenna Golf Club won the Ulster Final of the Irish Mixed Foursomes on Friday 8th August 2014 when they beat Balmoral Golf Club by 4-matches to 1-match in the Final having beaten Bangor Golf Club by 3-matches to 2-matches in the Semi-Final.
They made the journey to Warrenpoint Golf Club to take part in the All-Ireland deciders. They met Munster Champions Waterford Castle Golf Club in the All-Ireland Semi-Final on Friday 4th September.
They were led out by Pat Boyce with Ann Currie who lost their match by 5 and 4 against Ben Murray with Patsy Garry, they were followed by club owner Frank Casey Jnr. with Terri McBride who had a 2-hole win over Sam Power with Bridget Tierney, next up were Enda Kennedy with Dympna Kelly who lost their match against Pat Madigan with Anna Glavin by 3 and 2, in the penultimate match Marty McDermott with Orla Lenny had a 3 and 2 win over Niall O'Connell with Kay Walsh, the bottom match of Con Boyce with Susanne Gallagher went 4 and 2 to Denny Sinnott with Fiona Fitzgerald.
Waterford Castle went on to win the All-Ireland Final when they beat Leinster Champions Castlecomer by 3-matches to 2-matches.

Rosapenna Golf Club won the Ulster Final of the Irish Senior Cup when they beat Fortwilliam by 3 ½ matches to 1 ½ matches at Royal Co. Down Golf Club on Sunday 18th August 2013.  
They made the long journey to Royal Tara Golf Club to participate in the National Deciders. They were drawn against Leinster Champions Carton House Golf Club in the All-Ireland Semi-Final. They were led out by Michael McDermott who lost his match against S. McGlynn by 4 and 3 he was followed by Enda Kennedy who went all the way to the 21st before putting the first point on the board against D. Carey next up was Donal Boyle who beat Niall McGlynn by 3and 1 in the penultimate match of Frank Casey Jnr. against Sean O’Connor the owner of this golfing paradise delivered a 6 and 4 win and a place in the All-Ireland decider the bottom match of Patrick Kennedy was halved against Colin Cunningham when called in.

They met a strong Co. Sligo team in the decider on Saturday 21st September they were lead out this time by Donal Boyce who lost his match to Mark Morrissey by 3 and 1 next up was Michael McDermott who went to the 18th before conceding the point to Gary McDermott he was followed by Enda Kennedy who recorded a comfortable 4 and 3 win over Sean Flanagan the penultimate match of Frank Casey Jnr. against Declan Reidy gave Rosapenna their second point on the board with a 3 and 2 result. So it was all down to the bottom match of Patrick Kennedy against Rosses Points Steffan O’Hara to decide where the green pennant would go it was not until the 16th that O’Hara got his nose in front and finished the job on the 17th when he sank a 5-footer. The team was Donal Boyce, Michael McDermott, Enda Kennedy, Frank Casey Jnr. Patrick Kennedy and Con Boyce, they were captained by Frank Casey Jnr.

Having won their first All-Ireland in their history when they won the Irish Mixed Foursomes in 2012 it was not to be to add the most coveted green pennant of all to their collection.

Rosapenna Golf Club won the All-Ireland Final of the Irish Mixed Foursomes at Clontarf Golf Club on Friday 7th September 2012.

They met Leinster Champions Rathfarnham Golf Club in the All-Ireland Semi-Final on Thursday 6th September and recorded a 4-matches to 1-match win over the South Dublin team.

They were led by Enda Kennedy with Dympna Kelly who beat Stuart Walker with Deirdre McDermott by 3 and 2, they were followed by Pat and Kit Boyce who had a 2 and 1 win over Rory Crerar with Nikki Campbell, next up was Frank Casey Jnr. with Terri McBride who halved their match against Stanley Lew with Vicky Jones when called in. In the penultimate match Con Boyce with Suzanne Gallagher had a comfortable 6 and 4 win over Declan Sweeney with Jane Jones; in the bottom match of Marty McDermott with Orla Lenny was halved against Mick Doyle with Grainne Moyles when called in.

They played Munster Champions Dromoland Castle Golf Club in the All-Ireland Final the following day and recorded a 3½-matches to 1½-matches win over the Clare Club.

 This time they were led by Con Boyce with Suzanne Gallagher who went all-the-way up the 21st before clinching the point against Mark Reynolds with Maria Nolan, next up was Pat and Kit Boyle who went down by 2 and 1 to Tony Cleary with Dorothea Madden, they were followed by Frank Casey Jnr. with Terri McBride. In the penultimate match Enda Kennedy with Dympna Kelly recorded a 3 and 2 win over Nicholas Duggan with Angela White, the bottom match of Marty McDermott with Orla Lenny was a very comfortable 4 and 3 win over Mark Hogan with Yvonne Shanahan and the result that gave Rosapenna Golf Club its first Green Pennant.  

Ruairdri McGee was a credible joint 3rd in the Irish Boys' Close Championship at Malahide Golf Club on Friday 24th August 2007, shooting rounds of 72, 73 and 70 and 74 for a total of 289. He finished 3-shots behind the Champion Gary McGrane from The Royal Dublin Golf Club. This is very encouraging to see this magnificent Links in North Donegal producing good young players.

Rosapenna Golf Club won the All-Ireland Final of the Irish Mixed Foursomes at Clontarf Golf Club on Friday 7th September 2012.

Members who played representative golf for Country or Province;

Ruairdri McGee represented Ireland at Irish Boys level in 2007 playing 3-times won 1-match halved one and lost 1-match accumulating 3-points. He represented Ulster at the Boys Interprovincial Championships from 2006 to 2007 playing 8-times won 4-matches and lost 4-matches accumulating 8-points;

History of Rosapenna

Instituted 1895 affiliated 1898

The "Sportsman's Holiday Guide" in 1897 records "The Rosapenna golf links were discovered quite by chance by Tom Morris of St. Andrews. A few years ago, this veteran golfer, being employed by the late Lord Leitrim to lay out a nine-hole course in the neighbourhood of the Manor House, after completing his task, was taken to Rosapenna to see the beautiful scenery to be found there. His practiced eye was at once struck by the adaptability of the ground to the requirements of the game and with his prophetic instinct he predicted before long the redcoats would be seen driving the gutta over the fine slopes. There are eighteen-holes and circuit is about three and a half miles. It has been found necessary to lay only three greens, the other fifteen being natural and remarkable for their size and quality. The turf is excellent and of a true golf nature. There is no clubhouse the first tee and home green being the hotel door.

In a letter to Lionel Hewson from the Earl of Leitrim, he states that the course had been started in 1891 by his father, with the help of Tom Morris. In 1906, Harry Vardon suggested some new holes "to compensate for the new, rubber-core ball." He was followed by James Braid with further modifications. In 1990 the late great Eddie Hackett added another eight new holes. Pat Ruddy has just completed another ten holes, giving Rosapenna a second 18-hole links. 
The first President was C. J. Stewart, the Captain was A. Manning, the Hon. Secretary was Rev. M. Vance and the patrons were the Earl of Leitrim and the Earl of Dartmouth.

Roll of Honour

Member Year Hon. Position
Susanna Cullen 1990 Ladies Captain
John Sweeney 1990 Men's Captain
Hugh McBride 1990 President
Mary Gallagher 1991 Ladies Captain
Kevin Mooney 1991 Men's Captain
P. J. Boyce 1991 President
Mary Kerrane 1992 Ladies Captain
Patrick J. Boyce 1992 Men's Captain
P. J. Boyce 1992 President
Eleanor Duffy 1993 Ladies Captain
Gavin Toye 1993 Men's Captain
Seamus McIllwaine 1993 President
Betty Boal 1994 Ladies Captain
Shaun Boyce 1994 Men's Captain
John McClafferty 1994 President
Philomena Moran 1995 Ladies Captain
John J. McBride 1995 Men's Captain
Fr. McAteer 1995 President
Madge Kelly 1996 Ladies Captain
Peter Quinn 1996 Men's Captain
Terri McBride 1997 Ladies Captain
Mick Gallagher 1997 Men's Captain
Hazel Russell 1998 Ladies Captain
Joe McHugh 1998 Men's Captain
Moira McGee 1999 Ladies Captain
Tony Diver 1999 Men's Captain
Elaine Bonner 2000 Ladies Captain
Charlie McBride 2000 Men's Captain
Heather McBride 2001 Ladies Captain
Niall McManus 2001 Men's Captain
Agnes Lenny 2002 Ladies Captain
Martin Casey 2002 Men's Captain
Marie Henry 2003 Ladies Captain
Fr. Charlie Byrne 2003 Men's Captain
Marie Hegarty 2004 Ladies Captain
Charles McClafferty 2004 Men's Captain
Denis Boyce 2004 President
 Patricia Bogan 2005 Ladies Captain
Peter Smyth 2005 Men's Captain
Denis Boyce 2005 President
Pauline McManus 2006 Ladies Captain
Hugh McBride 2006 Men's Captain
Denis Boyce 2006 President
  2007 Ladies Captain
Louis Boyce 2007 Men's Captain
Seamus Gallagher 2007 President
  2008 Ladies Captain
Tony McBride 2008 Men's Captain
Seamus Gallagher 2008 President
Deirdre O'Neill 2009 Ladies Captain
Michael McBride 2009 Men's Captain
Seamus Gallagher 2009 President
Nuala McGarrigle 2010 Ladies Captain
Marty Carlin 2010 Men's Captain
Seamus Mallon 2010 President
Mary Devlin 2011 Ladies Captain
Pat Boyce 2011 Men's Captain
Mick Gallagher 2011 President
Diane Barnett 2012 Ladies Captain
Edward McGroddy 2012 Men's Captain
Mick Gallagher 2012 President
Bernadette North 2013 Ladies Captain
Patrick McClafferty 2013 Men's Captain
John Sweeney 2013 President
Kit Boyce 2014 Ladies Captain
Bernard O'Neill 2014 Men's Captain
John Sweeney 2014 President
  2015 Ladies Captain
Brian Kelly 2015 Men's Captain
John Sweeney
2015 President
Claire Lenny
2016 Ladies Captain
Brian Currie 2016 Men's Captain
Hugh McBride
2016 President
  2017 Ladies Captain
  2017 Men's Captain
  2017 President
  2018 Ladies Captain
  2018 Men's Captain
  2018 President
  2019 Ladies Captain
  2019 Men's Captain
  2019 President
  2020 Ladies Captain
  2020 Men's Captain
  2020 President
  2021 Ladies Captain
  2021 Men's Captain
  2021 President
  2022 Ladies Captain
  2022 Men's Captain
  2022 President
  2023 Ladies Captain
  2023 Men's Captain
  2023 President
  2024 Ladies Captain
  2024 Men's Captain
  2024 President
Vivienne Houston (7) 2024 Lowest Ladies H'cap
Anton O'Callaghan 2024 Lowest Men's H'cap
Ryan Griffin 2024 Lowest Men's H'cap
Enda Kennedy  (+1) 2004 Lowest Men's H'cap

Holes in One at Rosapenna

Member Date Hole No. Club Used Distance
Vivienne McMeekin 27 April 2007 6th   117 yd’s
Helena McBride 19 April 2022