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The Royal Dublin golf club Dublin

The Royal Dublin golf course Dublin

The Royal Dublin Golf Course

The Royal Dublin Club Crest

What I have always considered one of Irelands Premier Links Golf Courses, The Royal Dublin Golf Club is situated on Bull Island, which is a wildlife habitat, with access across the wooden bridge to Dollymount strand.

The Royal Dublin has undertaken extensive course improvements. These improvements have caused the staging of the Irish Open Amateur Championship to be relocated to Carton House (the new home of the GUI, the ILGU and the Leinster Branch) for 2004.

The Royal Dublin has played host to the Irish Open Championship on three occasions the last being in 1985, when Seve Ballesteros won it in a play-off. It is also the home course of Irelands legendary golfer and ten times Ryder Cup player Christy Senior "Himself" who can be often be seen playing the Links and one can't but admire how this gentleman of golf can still ply his trade.

The feature hole at The Royal Dublin is undoubtedly the 434 metres Par 4 finishing hole known as "The Garden Hole" where the golfer must decide to take on the corner, to get home in two, this decision has often been regretted by professionals, quality amateurs and mere mortals like ourselves.

The Royal Dublin Golf Club offers the golfer one of the finest clubhouses in the country, which has been recently upgraded. With an excellent Dining Room (jacket & tie) or the Grill Room (informal dress). Visitors can enjoy a drink Christy O'Connor Room overlooking the 18th (informal dress) and reflect on the challenges they encountered on this wonderful Links on the outskirts of Dublin and make plans for when they intend to revisit the course where Harry Cult left one of his greatest creations.

The Royal Dublin was voted the No. 22-ranked golf course in Ireland, by “Irish Golfer” in 2023 (Up-1);

The Royal Dublin was voted the No. 23-ranked golf course in Ireland, by “Irish Golfer” in 2022;

The Royal Dublin was voted the No. 28-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2020 (Up-1);

The Royal Dublin was voted the No. 29-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2019 (Down-3;

The Royal Dublin was voted the No. 26-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2018 (Up-2);

The Royal Dublin was voted the No. 28-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2017 (Up-1);

The Royal Dublin was voted the No. 29-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2016 (Down-2);

The Royal Dublin was voted the No. 27-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2015 (Same);

The Royal Dublin was voted the No. 27-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2014 (Down-3);

The Royal Dublin was voted the No. 24-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2013 (Down-5);

The Royal Dublin was voted the No. 19-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2012;

The Royal Dublin was voted theNo. 12 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:

The Royal Dublin was voted the No. 18-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2010;

The Royal Dublin was voted the No. 11 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;

The Royal Dublin was voted the No. 13-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2009;

The Royal Dublin was voted the  No. 11 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;

The Royal Dublin was voted the  No. 14-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2008;

The Royal Dublin was voted the  No. 11 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;

Green Fees 1 November 17 March Monday to Thursday: €110
Green Fees 1 November 17 March Friday to Sunday: €125
Green Fees Early Bird & Twilight Monday to Thursday:
€165
Green Fees Early Bird & Twilight Friday: €180
Green Fees Last Minute Special Monday to Thursday:
€165
Green Fees Last Minute Special Friday to Sunday:
€180
Green Fees 18 March to 31 October Monday to Thursday: €220
Green Fees 18 March to 31 October Friday: €250
Green Fees with a Member: €40
Practice Area: Range
Club Hire: Yes
Buggy Hire Medical Card Required:
Yes
Soft Spikes: No
Course Type Links
No Holes 18
Designer Harry S. Colt
Founded 1885
Address

North Bull Island,
Dollymount,
Dublin 3

Telephone 01-8336346/01-8331262
Email info@theroyaldublingolfclub.com
Website The Royal Dublin golf club website
General Manager: Jeff Fallon
Operations Manager: James Turpin
Captain:  John Pardy
Ex. Officio:  Brendan O'Malley
President: Barry Dillon
Vice-Presidents': Michael Dinneen, John J McDevitt, Tadhg O’Sullivan, & Des Quigley
Hon. Secretary: Stephen Prendergast
Club Pro: John Dwyer 01-833 6477
Hon. Treasurer: Frank Lynch
The Royal Dublin Golf Course Layout Course Layout

Location Map

GPS Coord*
Lat:53.371170
Long:-6.170345
*Please check information before travelling

General Facts & Information

Course opening hours: Daylight hours Clubhouse opening hours: 8.30am to 11.30pm
Mobile phones: Not on course or in clubhouse Dress Code: Neat and casual, no denim
Catering:Full catering, facilities  Days to Avoid: Saturdays & Wednesdays
Green Fees and Societies Welcome: Other days Pre-booking for open Tournaments:N/A

The Royal Dublin Golf Club Fixtures 2024 provisional*

Open & Major Fixtures 2023 (to be Confirmed)        
Event Start Finish Type Duration
Captain's Drive-In Sunday
  Closed 1
Christy O'Connor Challenge Tuesday 1 June   Closed 1
Captain's Prize Friday 2 June Saturday 3 June Closed 2
Captain's Prize Saturday 3 June   Closed 1
Captain's Prize to the 5-Day Members Wednesday 7 June   Closed 1
Beaumont Hospital Classic Friday 14 April   Open 1

*Please check information before travelling

Card of the Course

KeyData
White Par 72 Slope 134 6,925 yd's
Yellow Par 72 Slope 131 6,484 yd's
Red Par 74 Slope 136 5,980 yd's
Green Par 73 Slope 128 5,511 yd's
Blue Par 72 Slope 139 7,289 yd's

Card

Name Hole No. Blue White Yellow Par Index Red Green Par Index
North Bull 1 400 387 372 4 10
369 281 4 8/6
Barington's 2 484 467 459 5 18 446 378 5 16/13
Alps 3 405 397
375 4 8
309 305 4 10/17
Featherbed 4 179 172 154 3 16 149 101 3 13/9
Ireland's Eye 5 488 446 425 4 2 417
317 4/5 9/16
Valley 6 595 571 510 5 6
509
506 5
6/5
Ardiluan 7 215 188 163 3 12 132 129 3
17/15
Ben Howth 8 413 390 346 4 4
342 341 4
1/7
Davidson's 9 174 163 142 3 14 133 129 3 112/10
  Out 3,353 3,181 2,946 35   2,806 2,487 35/36  
Marne 10 464 441 419 4 1 277 311 4 7/1
Colt's 11 558 540 527 5 11 419 417 5 14
Campbell's 12 205 185 151 3 15 149 145 3 11/8
Dardanelles 13 465 431 409 4 4 405
402 5 5/11
Moran's 14 561 544 506 5 13 387 386 4 15/2
Hogan's 15 454 432 413 4 7
384 383 4 2/4
Dolly 16 305 284 266 4 17 245 234 4 18
Coastguard's 17 446 422 394 4 9
381 369 4 4/3
Garden 18 478 465 453 4 5
427
377 5 3/12
  In 3,936 3,744 3,538 37   3,174
3,024 38  
  Total 7,289 6,925 6,484 72   5,980 5,511 73/74  
  Slope 139
134
131
    136
128  
 

Notable rounds

Men's Course Record Am: 64 Marco Penge Goodwood G. C. 07/05/2016
Pro:  63 B. Lange

Members Achievements

Hugh Foley was selected on the 19-man squad to represent GB & Ireland against the US in the 49th Walker Cup Matches at the Old Course St. Andrew’s on Saturday 2ND September and 3rd September 2023.
The other Irish on the squad are Robert Moran (Castle Golf Club), Matthew McClean (Malone Golf Club), Liam Nolan (Galway Golf Club), Peter O’Keeffe (Douglas Golf Club) and Mark Power (Kilkenny Golf Club) they were Captained by Stuart Wilson.

The Royal Dublin Golf Club reached the All-Quarter-Finals of the Irish Senior Cup at Dun Laoghaire Golf Club on Saturday 9th September 2023 when they went down to Royal Portrush Golf Club by 3-matches to 2-matches.
Shaun Carter led them out and put the first point on the board with a 5 and 4 win against Matt McAlpin, he was followed by Richard Knightly who went up the 21st against William Beatty before relinquishing the point, next up was Robbie Hynes who lost his match against Paul Cutler by 3 and 1, in the penultimate match Conor Harrington won his match by 3 and 2 against Stuart Nesbitt and in the bottom match Liam Hutchinson lost his match by the minimum against Patrick McCrudden.

Hugh Foley and Max Kennedy were, selected on the 2023 Golf Ireland Men’s High Performance Squad.

Max Kennedy was awarded the Under-18 Leinster GUI Golfer’s Order of Merit in 2018.

The Royal Dublin Golf Club won the All-Ireland Barton Shield in 2015 having won the Leinster Final on their home course when they beat Rosslare Golf Club by 4-holes in the Quarter-Final, Tullamore Golf Club by 1-hole in the Semi-Final and accounted for Laytown & Bettystown Golf Club in the decider by the slenderest of wins by 1-hole.

The Royal Dublin Golf Club hasn’t had any success in this the most prestigious of Amateur Golf since 1968. They were drawn against Munster Champions and reigning All-Ireland winners Muskerry Golf Club in the All-Ireland Semi-Final on the O’Meara Course at Carton House on Wednesday 16th September 2015.

First on the tee was Shaun Carter with Jeff Hopkins who beat Niall Gorey with David O’Donovan by 4-holes in the second match Ian O’Rourke with Barry Anderson beat Daniel Hallisey with Shane Whooley by 3-holes to book their place in the All-Ireland decider against Galway Golf Club on the Thursday.

In the All-Ireland Final they had a spectacular 12-hole win over Galway when they were led out by Shaun Carter with Jeff Hopkins against Joe Lyons with Stephen Brady and recorded a 7-hole win over this experienced pair in the second match Ian O’Rourke with Barry Anderson faced Ronan Mullarney with Colm Hughes and had a 5-hole win to bring the total to 12-holes.

The other members of this historic team were Richard Knightly, Adam Hanley, Liam Huthinson, Bryan McSweeney, Chris Drumm, Sean Ryan and Gary McGrane. They were managed by Michael Chambers assisted by Gerry O’Donovan and Stephen Wade.

The Royal Dublin Golf Club won the Leinster Final of the Barton Shield in 2014 at Laytown & Bettystown Golf Club on Saturday 2nd August. They beat Kilkenny Golf Club by 2-holes in the Quarter Final and Naas Golf Club by 5-holes in the Semi-Final and The Island Golf Club by 5-holes in the decider.
They made their way to Carton House to compete in the All-Ireland deciders on the O’Meara Course where they were drawn against Ulster Champions Warrenpoint Golf Club in the All-Ireland Semi-Final on Wednesday 17th September.
They were led by Richard Knightly with Sean Ryan who lost by 2-holes against William Hanna with Stephen Coulter, they were followed by Barry Anderson with Ian O'Rourke who went all the way up the 20th before recording a 1-hole win over Colm Campbell with Ryan Gribben, how close can it get.

The Royal Dublin Golf Club won the Leinster Final of the Jimmy Bruen Shield when they beat Slade Valley Golf Club by 3½-matches to 1½-matches at Carlow Golf Club on Sunday 29th July 2012.
They made the long journey to Kinsale Golf Club to compete in the All-Ireland deciders on Wednesday 19th September when they were drawn against Connaught Champions Gort Golf Club in the All-Ireland Semi-Finals.
They were led by C. O’Siochain with M. Perry who lost their match against Noel Harnett with Pat Magner by 2 and 1, they were followed by J. Enright with D. Murphy who had one-of-those-days when going down to Stephen Noonan with Mick Meehan by 8 and 6, next up was S. Guirke with R. Gygax who lost out to Liam Keane with Ger Foley by 5 and 3. The last two matches of D. Shaw with R. McGovern against Colin Cleary with Shane Kelly and P. Dowling with E. McHugh against Eoin Duggan with Dave Murphy were halved when called in.

Niall Kearney was the only Irish selection on the Walker Cup 2009, played at Merion, Pennsylvania, USA on 12 & 13 September, Niall has since joined the Professional ranks and we wish him the very best in his new profession.

Niall won the Brabazon Trophy, in the teeming rain at a soggy Moortown in Leeds, on Tuesday 19th May 2009.

A closing round of 70 for an aggregate of 208 saw the Irish international from Royal Dublin triumph by five shots from Kent champion Liam Burns who signed off with 73.

Congratulations to Niall Kearney, who together with Paul Cutler (Portstewart Golf Club), Gareth Shaw (Lurgan Golf Club), Jonathan Caldwell (Clandeboye Golf Club), Shane Lowry (Esker Hills Golf Club) retained the European Amateur Team Championship at Turin Heat on Saturday 5th July 2008, when they beat England in the final by 4 ½ matches to 2 ½.

Gary McGrane won the Irish Boys' Amateur Close Championship at Malahide Golf Club on Friday 24th August 2007. He returned rounds of 72, 69, 73 and 72 for a total of 286, to pip the young I. Keane from the home club by one shot. Keane won the Under 16 Trophy.  This was a magnificent performance by this young man who has played Leinster Boys and has represented his club at Senior and Junior Cup level, definitely one to watch in the future.

The Royal Dublin Golf Club won the Barton Cup in 2006, when they beat Old Conna by 7 and halve matches to 2 and halve matches. The first leg of the Final was played at The Royal Dublin on Saturday 19th August when The Royal Dublin returned a 4 match to 1 match lead going into the second leg away to Old Conna on Saturday 2nd September. These matches finished 3 and halve to 1 and halve to the away team giving The Royal Dublin a comfortable win.

The Royal Dublin continue to develop their young players under the watchful eye of Mannix Kennedy, having won the All-Ireland Fred Daly Trophy in 2004. Their panel of young players achieved considerable individual credits in 2005.

Niall Kearney won the Irish Boys’ Close Championship at Kilkeel Golf Club in August 2005, he reached the Semi-Final of the Connacht Youths’ and was selected on the club Senior Cup team. Niall was considered a "veteran" when he represented Ireland in the Boys' Home Internationals at Woodhall Spa, Lioncolnshire on 2nd August 2005 having been selected the previous year at Portmarnock Golf Club. He and Seamus Power (West Waterford) were the only two survivors from the 2004 team.

Barry Fennelly won the Ulster Boys’ at Lisburn Golf Club and finished in the top 10 in the Irish Boys’ he was selected on the club Senior Cup team and partnered Paul O’Grady on the Barton team that reached the Semi-Final.

Neil O’Briain won the Connacht Youths' at Carne in August 2005, was selected on the club’s Senior Cup team and partnered John O’Donovan on the Barton team that reached the Semi-Final.

Gary McGrane was selected on the Irish and Leinster Boys’ teams in 2005, and partnered Michael Chambers on the Barton team that reached the Semi-Final. He played Senior and Junior Cup for the club.

The Royal Dublin Juniors won the All-Ireland Fred Daly Trophy National Final in 2004, when the team was M. Cooke, Niall Kearney, Barry Fennelly, C. Keogh, D. O'Beirne, Neil O'Briain, Gary McGrane, C. Knightly, C. Glavey and D. O'Halloran, they were captained by Mannix Kennedy, they went on to win the home countries final at La Manga in December 2004.

Niall Kearney was selected on the Irish Boys Team that played Canada in a Junior Challenge match at Hamilton Golf and Country Club from 7th to 9th September 2004.

Darren Crowe was selected on the Irish Team for the Home International Matches at Royal St. David's Golf Club in Harlech, Wales, from September 11th-13th 2002. He was also selected on the Irish Youths team to play in Gdansk, Poland on July 9th 2002.

Prior to 2001:

The Royal Dublin won the Irish Senior Cup at Killarney G. C. in 1969 and in 1929, 1927, 1925 and 1924.

The Royal Dublin Golf Club won the Leinster Final of the Irish Senior Cup at Co. Louth N. O'Brien, T. Hutchinson, E. Brady, B. O'Malley, L. Brady, T. Kone-Nash and they were captained by G. O'Donovan.

The Royal Dublin Golf Club won the All-Ireland Barton Shield, on their home course in 1968, when the team was, T. D. Garvey, Mick Costello, David Corcoran, M. J. Jordan, Noel Fogarty and Dermot Herlihy. They also won it in 1925 and 1924.

The Royal Dublin Golf Club won the All-Ireland Irish Junior Cup in 1957, when the team was, M. B. O'Halloran, F. O. Gogarty, J. S. Conway, B. J. Sampson and T. Kane. They won the Irish Junior Cup at Royal Portrush in 1932 and 1927.

The Royal Dublin Golf Club won the Leinster Final of the Irish Senior Cup at Co. Louth N. O'Brien, T. Hutchinson, E. Brady, B. O'Malley, L. Brady, T. Kone-Nash and they were captained by G. O'Donovan.

The Royal Dublin Golf Club won the Leinster Final of the Pierce Purcell Shield in 1981 and were All-Ireland Runners-Up at Grange Golf Club, when the team was O. Egan, F. Lyon, T. Kirin, E. Doherty, M. Collins, R. O'Malley, M. Wisdom, F. B. Doyle, D. Courteney, K. Courtney, E. Cardan, A. I. McGann and T. Summers, they were captained by S. Donnelly.

The Royal Dublin won the Barton Cup 1967, when the squad was, C. A. Byrne, P. V. O'Neill, P. J. Ryan, K. C. Moore, D. Cooper, P. H. Gunning, G. C. Fitzgerald, T. D. Garvey, J. S. Conway, P. Flanagan, F. G. Moran, K. Murray, B. J. Sampson, M. J. Jordan, M. B. Costello, J. L. Mahon, F. Sharpe, P. C. Haughey, G. N. Fogarty, D. K. Corcoran, J. J. O'Haneon, J. M. O'Dwyer, B. Howard, J. J. Quill and T. C. Trinder.

W. J. Slattery was elected to the council of the Leinster Branch of the GUI for 2001.

Niall Manchip a teaching Pro. at The Royal Dublin won the Smurfit Irish PGA Championship at The Island on 17 October 99 to receive the largest cheque of his professional life.

Members who played representative golf for Country or Province;

Eamonn Brady who turned professional in September 2000, he represented Ireland as a Senior International from 1995 to 1999 playing 11-times won 6-matches and lost 5-matches accumulating 12-points.He represented Ireland at international Youths level from 1994 to 1995 playing 8-matches, won 4-matches halved two and lost 2-matches accumulating 8-points. He represented Leinster at Senior Interprovincial level from 1994 to 2000 playing 30-times won 19-matches halved two and lost 9-matches accumulating 40-points. He represented Leinster as a Youth Interprovincial from 1993 to 1995 playing 18-times won 8-matches halved three and lost 7-matches accumulating 19-points;

Niall Kearney represented Ireland as a Senior International from 2006 to 2009 playing 27-times won 11-matches halved four and lost 12-matches accumulating 26-points. He represented Ireland at international Youths level in 2007 playing 4-matches, won 1-match lost 3-matches accumulating 2-points. He represented Ireland at Irish Boys level from 2004 to 2006 playing 25-times won 14-matches halved four and lost 7-matches accumulating 32-points. He represented Leinster at Senior Interprovincial level from 2007 to 2008 playing 12-times won 10-matches and lost 2-matches accumulating 20-points. He represented Leinster as a Youth Interprovincial in 2007 playing 5-times won 5-matches and lost 0-matches accumulating 10-points. He represented Leinster at Boys  Interprovincial level from 2003 to 2006 playing 23-times won 8-matches halved three and lost 12-matches accumulating 19-points;

C. Barcroft* represented Ireland as a Senior International from 1901 to 1904;

D. M. Christie* represented Ireland as a Senior International from 1901 to 1905;

D. K. Corcoran represented Ireland as a Senior International from 1972 to 1973 playing 14-times won 7-matches halved three and lost 4-match accumulating 17-points;

W. H. Dillon* represented Ireland as a Senior International from 1903;

A. F. Dudgeon* represented Ireland as a Senior International from 1903;

E. K. Figgis* represented Ireland as a Senior International from 1901;

G. N. Fogarty represented Ireland as a Senior International from 1956 to 1967 playing 26-times won 10-matches halved five and lost 11-matches accumulating 25-points;

E. Gibson* represented Ireland as a Senior International from 1905;

T. M. Healy* represented Ireland as a Senior International from 1931;

T. D. Hegarty represented Ireland as a Senior International in 1951 playing 4-times won 0-matches halved one and lost 3-matches accumulating 1-point;

D. P. Herlihy* was selected as a Senior International from 1961;

W. J. Howley* was selected as a Senior International from 1951;

N. Manly* represented Ireland as a Senior International from 1924 to 1928;

R. P. Meredith* represented Ireland as a Senior International from 1901;

C. P. Moore* represented Ireland as a Senior International from 1902 to 1905;

P. M. O’Boyle* was selected as a Senior International from 1977;

Neil O’Briain represented Ireland as a Senior International in 2007 playing 5-times won 4-matches and lost 1-match accumulating 8-points. He represented Ireland at international Youths level from 2006 to 2007 playing 4-matches halved tree and lost 1-matches accumulating 3-points. He represented Leinster at Senior Interprovincial level from 2005 to 2007 playing 12-times won 5-matches halved three and lost 4-matches accumulating 13-points. He represented Leinster as a Youth Interprovincial from 2005 to 2007 playing 17-times won 10-matches halved two and lost 5-matches accumulating 22-points;

A. Saunderson* represented Ireland as a Senior International from 1903 to 1904;

K. Troy was* selected as a Senior International from 1951;

P. M. Watson* represented Ireland as a Senior International from 1901;

L. Welch represented Ireland as a Senior International in 1936 playing 2-times won 1-match and lost 1-match accumulating 2-points;

L. E. J. Werner* represented Ireland as a Senior International from 1925;

D. M. Wilson* represented Ireland as a Senior International from 1903 to 1906;

P. Congden represented Ireland at international Youths level in 1992 playing 5-matches, won 2-matches halved one and lost 2-matches accumulating 5-points;

J. Hutchinson represented Ireland at international Youths level in 1982 playing 1-match, won 1-match accumulating 2-points;

P. M. O’Boyle represented Ireland at international Youths level in 1977 playing 6-matches, won 1-matches and lost 5-matches accumulating 2-points;

Gary McGrane represented Ireland at international Youths level from 2006 to 2007 playing 12-matches won 5-matches halved one and lost 6-matches accumulating 11-points;

P. J. Auld represented Leinster at Senior Interprovincial level from 1896 to 1900 playing 4-times won 2-matches halved one and lost 1-match   accumulating 2½ -points;

C. M. Barcroft represented Leinster at Senior Interprovincial level from 1896 to 1904 playing 7-times won 3-matches and lost 4-matches accumulating 3-points;

J. H. Barrington represented Leinster at Senior Interprovincial level from 1896 to 1900 playing 6-times won 2-matches halved one and lost 3-matches accumulating 2½ -points;

D. M. Christie represented Leinster at Senior Interprovincial level from 1896 to 1906 playing 11-times won 3-matches halved two and lost 6-matches accumulating 4-points;

D. K. Corcoran represented Leinster at Senior Interprovincial level from 1969 to 1974 playing 28-times won 14-matches halved one and lost 13-matches accumulating 29-points. He represented Leinster as a Youth Interprovincial from 1964 to 1967 playing 8-times;

E. Gibson represented Leinster at Senior Interprovincial level from 1896 to 1906 playing 7-times won 4-matches halved one and lost 2-matches accumulating 4½ -points;

G. C. Greene represented Leinster at Senior Interprovincial level from 1896 to 1904 playing 7-times won 4-matches halved one and lost 2-matches accumulating 4½ -points;

T. Henshaw represented Leinster at Senior Interprovincial level from 1899 to 1906 playing 7-times won 3-matches halved one and lost 3-matches accumulating 3½ -points;

D. P. Herlihy represented Leinster at Senior Interprovincial level in 1961 playing 6-times won 4-matches and lost 2-matches accumulating 8-points;

J. Hutchinson represented Leinster at Senior Interprovincial level from 1983 to 1990 playing 16-times won 8-matches and lost 8-matches accumulating 16-points. He represented Leinster as a Youth Interprovincial from 1979 to 1983 playing 6-times won 3-matches and lost 3-matches accumulating 6-points;

J. Jordan represented Leinster at Senior Interprovincial level from 1960 to 1965 playing 10-times won 6-matches and lost 4-matches accumulating 12-points;

G. T. Maconocky represented Leinster at Senior Interprovincial level in 1896 playing 2-times won 0-matches and lost 2-matches accumulating 0-points;

C. Magill represented Leinster at Senior Interprovincial level in 1899 playing 1-time won 0-matches halved one and lost 0-matches accumulating ½ -point;

W. D. Maloney represented Leinster at Senior Interprovincial level in 1900 playing 1-time won 1-match and lost 0-matches accumulating 1-point;

L. Martin represented Leinster at Senior Interprovincial level from 1903 to 1905 playing 2-times won 0-matches halved one and lost 1-match accumulating ½ -points;

G. C. May represented Leinster at Senior Interprovincial level from 1896 to 1899 playing 5-times won 1-match and lost 4-matches accumulating 1-point;

R. McConkey represented Leinster at Senior Interprovincial level in 1939;

N. McGrane represented Leinster at Senior Interprovincial level in 1989 playing 6-times won 3-matches and lost 3-matches accumulating 6-points;

J. F. McLoughlin represented Leinster at Senior Interprovincial level in 1939;

J. S. Moore represented Leinster at Senior Interprovincial level in 1896 playing 2-times won 2-matches and lost 0-matches accumulating 2-points;

P. M. O’Boyle represented Leinster at Senior Interprovincial level from 1975 to 1978 playing 22-times won 14-matches and lost 8-matches accumulating 28-points;

E. H. Orr represented Leinster at Senior Interprovincial level from 1896 to 1903 playing 6-times won 2-matches halved one and lost 3-matches accumulating 2½ -points;

J. H. Pigot represented Leinster at Senior Interprovincial level from 1896 to 1902 playing 5-times won 2-matches and lost 3-matches accumulating 2-points;

A. P. Ross represented Leinster at Senior Interprovincial level in 1901 playing 1-time won 0-matches halved one and lost 0-matches accumulating ½ -point;

J. Stevenson represented Leinster at Senior Interprovincial level from 1896 to 1898 playing 4-times won 4-matches and lost 0-matches accumulating 4-points

C. Stewart represented Leinster at Senior Interprovincial level in 1961 playing 2-times won 2-matches and lost 0-matches accumulating 4-points;

T. Stewart represented Leinster at Senior Interprovincial level from 1896 to 1897 playing 3-times won 1-match and lost 2-matches accumulating 1-point; 

A. Traill represented Leinster at Senior Interprovincial level from 1898 to 1899 playing 2-times won 1-match and lost 1-match accumulating 1-point;

H. A. Upton represented Leinster at Senior Interprovincial level from 1896 to 1906 playing 5-times won 0-matches halved one and lost 4-matches accumulating ½ -points;

P. M. Watson represented Leinster at Senior Interprovincial level from 1896 to 1904 playing 6-times won 6-matches and lost 0-matches accumulating 6-points;

G. Wilkington represented Leinster at Senior Interprovincial level in 1903 playing 1-time won 0-matches and lost 1-match accumulating 0-points;

D. M. Wilson represented Leinster at Senior Interprovincial level from 1896 to 1906 playing 8-times won 5-matches and lost 3-matches accumulating 5-points;

D. Barton represented Leinster as a Youth Interprovincial in 1978 playing 1-time won 0-matches and lost 1-match accumulating 0-points; 

D. Coghlan represented Leinster as a Youth Interprovincial in 2009 playing 5-times won 4-matches halved one and lost 0-matches accumulating 9-points;

W. Gillen represented Leinster as a Youth Interprovincial in 1995 playing 2-times won 0-matches halved one and lost 1-match accumulating 1-points;

J. Mahony represented Leinster as a Youth Interprovincial from 1976 to 1977 playing 8-times won 4-matches and lost 4-matches accumulating 8-points;

Gary McGrane represented Leinster as a Youth Interprovincial in 2009 playing 5-times won 2-matches and lost 3-matches accumulating 4-points. He represented Leinster at Boys  Interprovincial level in 2007 playing 6-times won 5-matches and lost 1-match accumulating 10-points;

T. D. Hegarty represented Connacht at Senior Interprovincial level from 1956 to 1957 playing 12-times won 4-matches halved two and lost 6-matches accumulating 10-points;

R. Scott represented Connacht at Senior Interprovincial level from 1981 to 1982 playing 11-times won 2-matches and lost 9-matches accumulating 4-points. He represented Connacht as a Youth Interprovincial in 1971  playing 2-times won 0-matches and lost 2-matches accumulating 0-points;

W. Gillen represented Connacht as a Youth Interprovincial in 1995  playing 2-times won 0-matches halved one and lost 1-match accumulating 1-point;

P. M. Watson represented Ulster in the Senior Interprovincial’s in 1905 playing 1-time won 0-matches and lost 1-match accumulating 0-points;

History of The Royal Dublin

Instituted 1882 affiliated 1885

The Royal Dublin, although its original records were lost in the clubhouse fire on 2nd August 1943, can trace its original location to a site in the Phoenix Park, when it was a military golf club in 1884. The founding meeting of the club took place on 15th of May, 1885, in No. 19 Grafton Street. Mr. John Lumsden was in the chair. Forty-one members attended the meeting.

At the AGM, the following January John Lumsden presented The Lumsden medal which is still competed for and the records show that the course was reduced to twelve-holes in winter owing to difficulty of upkeep. At the following AGM there was a balance against the club of fifteen shillings and six pence and it was decided to reduce the number of holes to nine.

By 1888 the club was on the move to Sutton and a course was laid out at Cush Point. However, the lease was retained in the Phoenix Park. Sutton proved to be out of reach for most of the members. A meeting on 19th January 1889, informed John Lumsden that permission had been obtained from Colonel Vernon and the Dublin Port and Docks Board to play at Dollymount for a fee of one £1 and one shilling.

Mr. Petrie proposed that Old Tom Morris be retained to design the course, but this decision was postponed owing to expense. The course was laid out by, the President, John Lumsden, and the Captain, Mr. Gilroy.

On the 14th May, 1891, the title "Royal" was conferred on the club in a letter signed by E. Leigh-Pemberton and addressed to the club care of  Mr. J. Balfour, who was Chief Secretary of Ireland, (who was) a fanatical golfer.

The first members consisted of various professional groupings and the military garrisons, notably The Blackwatch Regiment and the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards.

The Royal Dublin played a major part in the development of golf in the metropolitan area. With John, the founder Captain and Vice President of the GUI in 1891 being involved, together with club professionals, Anthony Brown, George Coburn and Tom Hood laying out many courses.

In 1914, the course was closed and was occupied by the army. It was not until April 1920, that the club was reopened. Then in January 1921, H. C. Colt was retained to redesign the course.

What Dermot Gilleece tells us of my friend Christy "Himself"

Christy O’Connor was a 25-year-old assistant professional at Galway GC, when he decided on a trip to the capital so as to broaden his golfing education. With an elite field of 96 competitors assembled at Royal Dublin for the 1950 Irish Open Championship, his objective, as he put it, was “to see top professionals such as Dai Rees and Australia’s Norman von Nida in action.”

As it happened, a lesser-known Australian, Ossie Pickworth, captured the title. On his journey back to the west, however, the young Galwayman’s thoughts were dominated by images not of distinguished players, but of a celebrated links which had captured his heart. “I loved Royal Dublin from first sight, and I remember thinking that I couldn’t wait to get back there,” he later remarked. This was the traditional, out-and-back layout which the great English architect, Harry Colt, had crafted on Dollymount’s Bull Island, after it was returned to the members having served as a musketry range during World War I. And through remarkable developments for both player and club, it would become Christy’s golfing home from April 1959 until his death in May 2016 at the grand old age of 91.

When Royal Dublin advertised for a professional early in 1959, Christy chose not to apply for the job. Remarkably, he didn’t consider himself worthy of attachment to such a distinguished club, despite being by then, an established winner on the embryonic European Tour along with two appearances in the Ryder Cup and a victory the previous November as Harry Bradshaw’s partner in the Canada Cup in Mexico City. So, determined to get their man, the club felt obliged to send a deputation down to Killarney GC, where Christy was then attached. "I remember when I wasn't showing that much interest, Mary [Christy’s wife] kicked me under the table," he later recalled. "She was fed up with all the driving to Shannon Airport when I'd be coming back from trips abroad.”

So the deal was done and a remarkable association of employer and employee, began to take shape. The admiration sparked by Christy’s 1950 visit developed into a profound love of the place. Then there were the club members. "They’ve  been fantastic to me," he later remarked. "From the very start, I was invited to captains' dinners, which didn't often happen to club pros at that time. Then they made me a honorary life member." Christy and Royal Dublin became very good for each other, with the player happy to fulfil his role in enhancing the club’s image, either through his tournament exploits abroad or his physical presence on site. As each triumph was reported, newspaper phrases such as “Christy O’Connor, the Royal Dublin maestro” were to became a familiar part of golfing lore.

Indeed on a rather special weekend in 1966, the club was to experience the best of both worlds. That was when the scoring sequence of eagle, birdie, eagle would link Christy and Royal Dublin indelibly to the climax of the Carrolls International. It was a time when Himself, as he became affectionately known, was at the peak of his formidable powers, though he faced Sunday’s climax a stroke behind the leader, Eric Brown, after rounds of 71,68 and 67.

In the event, a closing 69 for an aggregate of 274, seemed to assure Brown of victory. Yet for all his vast experience of the professional arena, the Scot couldn’t have imagined what was about to unfold. Standing on the 16th tee on 11 under par, three strokes short of Brown’s clubhouse target, Christy commenced an electrifying, finishing surge. Having driven the green to be 16 feet above the hole, he rolled in the putt for an eagle-two. A huge drive then found the middle of the 17th fairway from where an over-zealous approach send the ball 20 feet past the pin. But the putt still found the target. With a birdie-three, he was level with Brown.

By this stage, huge crowds were scurrying on either side of the finishing hole, which their hero played to perfection. Splitting the fairway with a three-wood off the tee, his three-iron second shot over the Garden was so precise that the ball narrowly missed the pin before coming to rest nine feet away. Though two putts would have given him victory, he took only one, to resounding cheers from the delighted faithful.

Two decades later, appearances in the Irish Open at Royal Dublin would draw glowing comments from such golfing luminaries as Lee Trevino, who remarked: “Christy’s swing still flows like fine wine.” And further tournament exploits on home terrain would include a record-equalling 10th Irish Professional Championship triumph in 1978 and a tie with Tommy Horton in the 1992 PGA Seniors, before losing in a play-off.

Then there was his influence on newcomers to the ranks. Looking to a career as a tournament professional, Padraig Harrington considered it appropriate to head to Royal Dublin on a bleak January day in the hope of seeing Christy hit practice balls. His face stinging from sharp winds, he came across a familiar, lone figure, considerably older than in the picture he kept on his bedroom wall as a youngster.

“Most people wouldn't have let their dog out," recalled the winner of three Major championships. “Yet Christy was there in the Garden hitting shots. I figured at the time that nobody in the world could have played one particular shot, a six-iron of maybe 140 yards which he was holding onto the wind with a low draw. Then he hit a few fades. It was just spectacular. Here was a man in his late sixties at the time, who still had the will to go out in that weather and hit those wonderful shots." It was May in 2009 when Christy was formally told of his elevation into the World Golf Hall of Fame. And the occasion was marked by a phone call from Jack Nicklaus. "The timing was pretty good because I caught him on the first tee at Royal Dublin and Christy Junior was there, too,” recalled the Bear, who described the distinction as “A great honour and well deserved.”

As autumn years eased into the winter of a long, fruitful career, Royal Dublin remained dear to Christy’s heart. Attendance at each New Year captain’s drive-in remained a top priority. And in quieter moments, he could be observed in his familiar Audi car, driving down the service road beside the back-nine to watch his beloved members in action.

Sometimes the car would stop and out would step this legendary figure with a mid-iron in one hand and golf-balls in the other. And he would attempt, with an easy half-swing, to recapture the feel of his glory years by hitting a few, gentle shots.

This was Christy O’Connor. Royal Dublin will never see his like again.

Roll of Honour

Member Year Hon. Position
Noel Harris 1989 Men's Captain
Justice Brian Walsh 1989 President
Harry Horneck 1990 Men's Captain
Justice Brian Walsh 1990 President
Garrett Kennedy 1991 Men's Captain
Justice Brian Walsh 1991 President
Oliver Egan 1992 Men's Captain
Justice Brian Walsh 1992 President
Leo Booth 1993 Men's Captain
Justice Brian Walsh 1993 President
Frank Chambers 1994 Men's Captain
Justice Brian Walsh 1994 President
Brian Kearney 1995 Men's Captain
Justice Brian Walsh 1995 President
Ronald Dalglish 1996 Men's Captain
Justice Brian Walsh 1996 President
Frank Ryan 1997 Men's Captain
Justice Brian Walsh 1997 President
John Hedigan 1998 Men's Captain
Kevin M. Callan 1998 President
Prof. John Horgan 1999 Men's Captain
Kevin M. Callan 1999 President
Tadgh O'Sullivan 2000 Men's Captain
Kevin M. Callan 2000 President
Harry McElhinney 2001 Men's Captain
Kevin M. Callan 2001 President
Liam P. Meaney 2002 Men's Captain
Frank McDevitt 2002 President
Billy Wallace 2003 Men's Captain
Frank McDevitt 2003 President
John McDevitt 2004 Men's Captain
Frank McDevitt 2004 President
Peter Keavney 2005 Men's Captain
Frank Keane 2005 President
Martin Kennedy 2006 Men's Captain
Frank Keane 2006 President
Brendan Cole 2007 Men's Captain
Frank Keane 2007 President
David McConnell 2008 Men's Captain
Frank Keane 2008 President
Sean McKeon 2009 Men's Captain
Leo Booth 2009 President
David Kennedy 2010 Men's Captain
Fergus Madigan 2010 President
J. J. Murphy 2011 Men's Captain
Fergus Madigan 2011 President
Sean Kelly 2012 Men's Captain
Fergus Madigan 2012 President
Paul O'Grady 2013 Men's Captain
Harry McElhinney 2013 President
Enda A. McDermott 2014 Men's Captain
Harry McElhinney 2014 President
Sam O'Beirne
2015 Men's Captain
Harry McElhinney
2015 President
John McGreevy
2016 Men's Captain
Harry McElhinney
2016 President
Peter Finnegan 2017 Men's Captain
Kieran Howard 2017 President
Brian Purcell
2018 Men's Captain
Kieran Howard 2018 President
Dermot Curtin 2019 Men's Captain
Kieran Howard 2019 President
Steve Predergast 2020 Men's Captain
John Hedigan 2020 President
Kevin Knightly 2021 Men's Captain
John Hedigan 2021 President
Brendan O'Malley 2022 Men's Captain
John Hedigan 2022 President
John Pardy 2023 Men's Captain
  2023 President
Max Kennedy 2023 Lowest Men's Handicap
Shaun Carter (-1.7)
2023 Lowest Men's Handicap
Sean Ryan (-1.2) 2023 Lowest Men's Handicap
Hugh Foley (-2.7) 2023 Lowest Men's Handicap
Jeff Hopkins (-2) 2023 Lowest Men's Handicap
Barry Anderson (-2) 2023 Lowest Men's Handicap
Richard Knightly (-0.4)
2023 Lowest Men's Handicap
Ian O'Rourke (-2.0)
2023 Lowest Men's Handicap
Stephen Healy (-1)
2023 Lowest Men's Handicap
Gary McGrane (-1)
2023 Lowest Men's Handicap
James Monaghan (-0.2)
2023 Lowest Men's Handicap
Liam Hutchinson (-0.1)
2023 Lowest Men's Handicap
Sean Downes (0.2) 2023 Lowest Men's Handicap
Bryan McSweeney (0)
2023 Lowest Men's Handicap
Jonathan Hayden (1.3)
2023 Lowest Men's Handicap

Holes in One at The Royal Dublin

Member Date Hole No. Club Used Distance
George Hayden 30 January 1997 9th   160 m
Liam Bergin 12 April 1997 9th   160 m
Tom Higgins 12 April 1997 4th   157 m
Des Downey 16 April 1997 6th   164 m
Joe O'Donovan 14 June 1997 9th   160 m
Gerry O'Donovan 15 October 1997 6th   164 m
Billy Wallace 16 November 1997 4th   157 m
John Healy 10 January 1998 6th   164 m
Art I. McGann 25 February 1998 4th   157 m
G. Fogarty 9 March 1998 4th   128 m
Ronan Collins 18 March 1998 9th   160 m
Brendan Coghlan 8 April 1998 9th   160 m
Desmond Woods 1 June 1998 12th   172 m
Cathal Mullan 1 August 1998 9th   138 m
Douglas Herther 14 November 1998 12th   142m
Barry O'Halloran 2 February 1999 6th   164 m
K. Ninightly 1 May 1999 9th   160 m
John Healy 20 June 1999 4th   157 m
John French 23 June 1999 4th   157 m
C. Rowden 4 September 1999 6th   164 m
Steven Cloonan 4 September 1999 6th   164 m
Denis McAdams 5 December 1999 6th 5 wood 170 m
Pat Carolan 10 May 2000 12th 6 iron 188 m
Peter Early 17 June 2000 12th 4 iron 172 m
Liam Browne 17 June 2000 6th 5 wood 170 m
Niall Lavin 23 June 2000 12th 5 iron 172 m
John Huchinson 13 January 2001 12th   142 m
Conrad O'Donovan 24 February 2001 6th   170 m
Sean Kelly 31 March 2001 12th   188 m
Eugene O'Reilly 23 May 2001 6th   170 m
Brendan O'Malley 6 June 2001 12th   172 m
John Healy 20 June 2001 4th   157 m
Padraig Johnson 25 July 2001 9th   160 m
John Dennis 25 October 2001 4th   157 m
Cecil Rowden 6 November 2001 9th   160 m
John Holland 29 December 2001 12th   172 m
Des Quigley 19 January 2002 6th   170 m
Liam Browne 15 June 2002 9th   160 m
Thomas Morrissey S.J. 15 August 2002 9th   160 m
Des Smyth 10 September 2002 4th   163 m
George Henry 14 December 2002 4th   163 m
John Dennis 17 May 2003 6th   170 m
Tom Ryan 13 August 2003 6th   170 m
Niall Kearney 23 December 2003 9th   160 m
David O'Beirne 18 February 2004 12th   172 m
Owen O'Connor 11 July 2004 6th   170 m
Greg Fogarty 23 November 2004 4th   163 m
Brendan J. O'Malley 8 March 2005 16th   241 m
Garrett J. Walsh 3 September 2005 9th   148 m
Mervyn Wisdom 9 September 2005 9th   129 m
Sean O'Donovan 15 October 2005 9th   148 m
David O' Halloran 12 December 2005 4th   170 m
Owen O' Connor 28 December 2005 9th   148 m
Bob Fagan 8 July 2006 12th   167 m
Patrick Ryan 12 September 2007 4th   157 m
Gerry Young 12 December 2007 7th   148 m
John Bergin 21 January 2009 9th   141 m
J. O'Flaherty 11 June 2017 7th   148 m
Hyun Hyung Moon 25 March 2022 12th 4-iron 167 m
Jake Costello 25 August 2022